Mauricio Pochettino will manage his first game as the Blues new head coach on Thursday. Chelsea vs Wrexham will take place at Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina.
Apparently, it’s just a club friendly game. However, the Argentine would definitely want to claim his first victory, regardless of the competition.
Mauricio Pochettino has managed at least two teams in the Premier League. As a result, he knows how to navigate his team against the English teams.
The West London club will play five matches on their pre-season tour. It includes the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle, Brighton Albion, and the rest.
The Blues will be back on the pitch on Thursday, their first since May. And they would do everything to start their USA pre-season tour with a high level of winning mentality.
Of course, Chelsea were so poor last season, particularly in the Premier League. Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino is most likely to revive everything next season.
The Argentine gaffer is expected to use the pre-season to build momentum. And the players have been training and preparing for the days ahead.
According to Simon Johnson of The Athletic, Mauricio Pochettino has already begun his tactics at Chelsea. Meanwhile, he’s looking forward to playing the 4-2-3-1 formation next campaign.
In addition, he wants his fullbacks to push high. Also, the manager wants a creative No.9 behind the striker, wanting the team to press high regardless of the competition.
Throughout the pre-season tour, Mauricio Pochettino isn’t expected to go easy on his opponents. He would want to start his winning streak before the season fully starts.
On the contrary, Wrexham are from EFL League Two (English League Two). Meanwhile, they were so flawless and unstoppable in the league last campaign.
Chelsea vs Wrexham is most likely to be less tough and very interesting. Mauricio Pochettino’s troops would do everything to outplay the League Two side.
Even though they are below Chelsea. However, they have enough reinforcements to face the West London club at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Thursday.
Wrexham are reportedly glad to face the Premier League side. Because they believe the Blues are among the top clubs in Europe’s top-5 leagues, despite their poor statistics last season.
Even though Chelsea have the upper-hand in winning the club friendly game. The League Two side won’t hold back on the pitch, wanting to score and win over the Blues.
Chelsea vs Wrexham team newsÂ
Mauricio Pochettino has traveled to the United States of America with his 29-man squad for the pre-season. As a result, there are some players who are unavailable.
Of course, the likes of Havertz, Mount, Kovacic, Kante, Koulibaly, and the rest have already left the club. Regardless, the Blues still have enough reinforcements.
Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Romelu Lukaku will soon return to Chelsea from Inter Milan. However, he won’t be joining the squad on the USA pre-season tour.
At the same time, Hakim Ziyech’s move to Al Nassr is still on hold. As a result, the Moroccan wizard didn’t travel with Mauricio Pochettino’s troops to the USA.
Reece James didn’t travel with the squad. So he won’t be playing against Wrexham on Thursday. The English right-back wasn’t feeling well as on Wednesday.
However, he’s expected to join the squad in the United States of America as soon as he’s healthy. The Englishman isn’t injured or anything.
Interestingly, Chelsea have Malo Gusto, who traveled with the team. The French right-back is most likely to take his place on Thursday.
Also, Wesley Fofana didn’t travel with the squad as a result of a knee injury. Obviously, the West London club are currently without two defenders on their pre-season tour.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Gabriel Slonina, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Marcus Bettinelli. They all traveled with Mauricio Pochettino’s troops to the USA.
Amazingly, Maatsen, Colwill, and Humphreys traveled with the senior team. Also, Santos, Casadei, Hall, and other youngsters are part of the squad.
As a result, they are all fit and available to face Wrexham at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Frankly, Mauricio Pochettino has enough reinforcements in the squad.
Ângelo Gabriel, who just joined Chelsea, is also part of the 29-man squad. Diego Moreira, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku are all available.
Despite participating in the U-21 Euro. Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk are already back in the squad. And they both traveled with the team for their pre-season.
Surprisingly, Dujuan Whisper Richards won’t be able to face Wrexham. He was on the USA pre-season tour, however, he’s currently training alone.
Therefore, Mauricio Pochettino is currently without Reece James and Wesley Fofana. But the Englishman is most likely to join the squad later on in the United States of America.
Andrey Santos was the first player to resume at Cobham, followed by Malo Gusto. They both have had the longest pre-season preparation so far, and they are available for the game.
Chelsea possible lineup (4-2-3-1):Â
Slonina; Maatsen, Colwill, Humphreys, Gusto; Santos, Enzo; Nkunku; Ângelo, Jackson, Madueke.
Wrexham possible lineup (4-4-2):
Foster; Thomas, Tozer, Eoghan, Barnett; Lee, Cannon, Jones, Mendy; Mullin, Dalby.
Chelsea vs Wrexham predictionsÂ
The League Two side finished the 2022-2023 season with a 5-match unbeaten streak. Frankly, they are capable of frustrating the Blues on Thursday.
Also, Mauricio Pochettino’s men would be looking forward to getting back to their winning ways. After finishing the last campaign in a very ridiculous way.
As a result, the Argentine manager would want to win his first game. Even though it’s just a club friendly match, his side won’t hold back against Wrexham.
The visitor ain’t on the same level as the host. The West London club have enough brilliant and talented players to destroy them at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
With reliable a left-back and right-back. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have the upper-hand in winning their first pre-season game of the 2023-2024 campaign.
Chelsea 4-0 Wrexham
Kick-off timeÂ
Speaking of Mauricio Pochettino’s first game as the Blues new manager. Chelsea vs Wrexham will kick-off at 00:30 (BST) on Thursday. It will take place at Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina.