As the summer heat intensifies across California, Chelsea FC is set to kick off their preseason with an exciting friendly match against Wrexham. Scheduled for July 24, 2024, at 7:30 PM PDT, this highly anticipated clash will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. With temperatures soaring above 90°F, fans are gearing up for a thrilling encounter, albeit some may prefer the comfort of their homes due to the heat and ticket prices.
This year’s preseason marks a significant moment for Chelsea as they aim to build match fitness and integrate new tactical systems under head coach Enzo Maresca. The squad has seen a mix of familiar faces and new signings, with midfielder Moisés Caicedo recently joining the team in California. Chelsea fans are eager to see how the squad will perform as they prepare for the upcoming season.
For those planning to watch the match, it will be broadcast on ESPN in the USA, with streaming available on ESPN+. International viewers can catch the action on Chelsea TV, which offers a pay-per-view option. However, fans in the UK will not have a live broadcast available.
As of now, Chelsea has brought a strong contingent of 28 players to California, with Caicedo being the latest addition. Notable players such as Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, and Marc Cucurella are expected to join the squad later in the week after fulfilling international duties. This influx of talent will bolster the team as they look to establish their style of play and fitness levels ahead of the new season.
Despite the excitement surrounding the match, some fans have expressed their hesitance to attend in person. Factors such as the high ticket prices, estimated at over $100, along with parking fees reaching $50, have led many to opt for the comfort of home viewing. The combination of the midweek schedule and the notorious Bay Area traffic has also contributed to this decision.
On the tactical front, Maresca has hinted at experimenting with a new system that incorporates inverted fullbacks, a strategy that has been gaining traction in modern football. This approach will likely see players like Reece James and Malo Gusto taking on more central roles during the match. Maresca stated, “In these weeks, we try different situations [with inverting]. We try [Reece] James inside. I watched his games [for Wigan Athletic on loan] against, I don’t remember now, he was playing as a midfielder. Malo [Gusto] is trying to do that. Marc [Cucurella] can do that. We will try different situations.”
Wrexham, on the other hand, returns to face Chelsea for the second consecutive summer. The Welsh club has been making waves in the football community, especially following their acquisition by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Their participation in this friendly is a testament to their rising profile and ambition in the footballing world.
As both teams prepare for the match, the focus will be on establishing rhythm and cohesion on the pitch. Chelsea’s preseason matches serve as an essential platform for players to showcase their abilities, particularly for those vying for a starting position in the upcoming competitive fixtures.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the new signings integrate into the squad, as well as the tactical variations that Maresca will implement. The friendly against Wrexham promises to be an exciting event, with both teams looking to make a statement as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
With the sun setting on a hot Californian day, the atmosphere at Levi’s Stadium is expected to be electric, as Chelsea FC takes the field for their first preseason outing. Whether fans are present in the stands or tuning in from home, the excitement surrounding this match is palpable, setting the stage for a thrilling summer of football.
