Chelsea take on AC Milan in a pre-season friendly in Indonesia today, with Xabi Alonso's side aiming to bounce back from consecutive defeats. Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are set to return to the starting lineup after missing the loss to Juventus.
Chelsea's pre-season struggles
The Blues have lost their last two matches on their tour, falling to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend before a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Manager Xabi Alonso will be eager to see an improved performance as the new Premier League campaign approaches.
Palmer and Colwill both sat out the Juventus game with minor knocks, but are now fit and expected to feature against Milan. Their return adds creativity and defensive solidity to a side that has looked shaky in recent outings.
AC Milan's new era under Amorim
AC Milan, now managed by former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, are still searching for their first pre-season win. They have drawn against Celtic and Inter so far, and Amorim will be keen to secure a victory against a top Premier League opponent.
The Italian giants have undergone significant changes this summer, with Amorim implementing his tactical philosophy. This match provides a stern test of their progress ahead of the Serie A season.
How to watch Chelsea vs AC Milan
The match will not be broadcast on television in the UK. Fans can watch the action live on Chelsea's official app and website via a CFC+ subscription, which offers exclusive streaming of pre-season friendlies.
Kick-off is scheduled for 1pm UK time, with the game taking place at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. The stadium, which has a capacity of over 77,000, is expected to host a large crowd for this international friendly.
Confirmed line-ups and team news
The official starting XIs are expected to be announced around 11:50am UK time. Chelsea fans will be watching closely to see how Alonso rotates his squad, while Milan supporters will look for clues about Amorim's preferred formation.
Both teams are using this match as a key part of their pre-season preparations, with the Premier League and Serie A seasons starting in just a few weeks. A strong performance could boost morale and build momentum.
What's at stake
For Chelsea, this is a chance to end their tour on a high note and address defensive issues that have plagued them in recent games. The return of Colwill should help shore up the backline, while Palmer's creativity will be vital in breaking down Milan's defense.
Milan, meanwhile, are looking to avoid a winless pre-season. Amorim has stressed the importance of building a winning mentality, and a victory over Chelsea would be a significant statement of intent.
With both teams fielding strong squads and the match being streamed live, fans around the world will be tuning in to see how these two European giants fare ahead of the new season.
