Chelsea Predicted lineup vs. Barcelona: Estevao Will Start After Weekend Rest
Santa Clara, California – July 24, 2024 – Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate his squad for Wednesday’s preseason friendly against Barcelona at Levi’s Stadium, with newly signed winger Estevao Paulista poised to make his first start. The match, scheduled for 7:30 PM PDT, offers a crucial opportunity for Chelsea to gauge their readiness ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Following Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Maresca indicated his intention to distribute playing time more evenly throughout the team. Estevao, who did not feature in the Brighton match to ensure he was fully rested after his transfer from Palmeiras, is now set to take to the field. This fixture is a key component of Chelsea’s preparations for the 2024/25 campaign, allowing Maresca to experiment with tactical setups and assess player combinations before competitive action begins.
A predicted Chelsea starting XI includes Robert Sánchez in goal, with a back four of Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, and Ben Chilwell. The midfield is anticipated to feature Enzo Fernández,Moises Caicedo,and Conor Gallagher.Leading the attack will likely be Nicolas Jackson,supported by Cole Palmer and Estevao Paulista.
Maresca’s decision to start Estevao signals the club’s eagerness to integrate the 17-year-old Brazilian talent into the first team. The friendly against Barcelona provides a high-profile platform for Estevao to showcase his skills and begin building chemistry with his new teammates.Chelsea fans will be keen to observe how the young winger adapts to the demands of European football.
