Chelsea predicted XI vs Western Sydney Wanderers as Alonso prepares five debuts – Read Chelsea F.C.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Chelsea gives supporters their first public look at Xabi Alonso’s Blues on Tuesday morning.
Marco Palestra could make his debut in Sydney, while Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Estevão are expected to feature at Accor Stadium.
Chelsea arrive after winning two behind-closed-doors friendlies at Cobham. Jamie Gittens scored against Crawley Town and Bromley, while Alonso reportedly used a 4-2-3-1 formation in both matches.
Tuesday’s fixture should reveal more about his preferred structure. Chelsea’s open training session in Sydney featured rondos, possession drills and crossing exercises, with Alonso applying the same standards to senior players and academy prospects.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Chelsea team news
Emanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda are unavailable after suffering injuries before the tour.
Emegha is expected to miss the overseas programme with a hamstring problem. Quenda’s setback is less serious, and the winger could join Chelsea during the Asian stage of the trip.
The contrasting recovery timelines were covered in ReadChelsea’s latest Quenda and Emegha update.
Morgan Rogers and several players involved at the World Cup have not yet joined Alonso’s group. Their absences create opportunities for Palestra, Aaron Anselmino, Reggie Walsh and Dastan Satpaev.
Palestra could start at right-back, with Jorrel Hato on the opposite side. Levi Colwill needs minutes after an injury-disrupted campaign and may partner Anselmino in central defence.
Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are options in midfield. Palmer should operate behind João Pedro, with Estevão and Gittens providing width.
Alonso has enough players to make extensive half-time changes, so Liam Delap, Walsh and Satpaev should also receive minutes.
Chelsea predicted XI: Sánchez; Palestra, Anselmino, Colwill, Hato; Lavia, Essugo; Stephen, Palmer, Gittens; João Pedro.
Date: Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Kick-off: 10.45am BST
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Competition: Sydney Super Cup
How to watch: Chelsea have confirmed that the match will be shown live through a CFC+ subscription.
The result will remain secondary to fitness and tactical progress. However, Western Sydney Wanderers vs Chelsea should provide the clearest evidence yet of how Alonso wants his new side to build possession, press and attack.
