CHELSEA may have had just two weeks to prepare for the new season, but they are looking sharp already.
The Blues have recorded comfortable wins over both Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan during their truncated pre-season.
Shutterstock EditorialChelsea have had just two weeks to prepare but are looking sharp for their clash against Crystal Palace[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialSome of the new signings are expected to be named in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI[/caption]
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Plenty have impressed, too.
New Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian has Stamford Bridge wrapped around his little finger already.
A goal on his first start and winning a penalty from the bench against Milan has everyone excited – and rightly so.
However, Enzo Maresca will have to be delicate when it comes to getting him used to life in the Premier League.
There will be huge clamour for Estevao to be in from the off against Crystal Palace on Sunday – but Maresca will likely resist the noise and go with Pedro Neto.
One new signing likely to get a go from the off is Jamie Gittens, signed from Borussia Dortmund.
The English winger is untested in the Premier League but has looked direct and dangerous in his early outings for Chelsea.
Robert Sanchez is the first-choice goalkeeper, while without Levi Colwill the defence is rather straightforward.
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Up top, both Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have been impressive during pre-season and at the Club World Cup.
However, with Pedro having five in five since his arrival – the former Brighton man will likely start against his old rivals.
Chelsea’s transfer deals
IN
Joao Pedro – from Brighton – £60m
Jamie Gittens – from Dortmund – £52m
Jorell Hato – from Ajax – £37m
Liam Delap – from Ipswich – £30m
Estevao – from Palmeiras – £29m
Dario Essugo – from Sporting Lisbon – £18.5m
Kendry Paez – from Independiente – £17.5m
Mamadou Sarr – from Strasbourg – £12.5m
TOTAL – £256.5m
OUT
Noni Madueke – to Arsenal – £52m
Joao Felix – to Al-Nassr – £44m
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – to Everton – £28m
Djordje Petrovic – to Bournemouth – £25m
Lesley Ugochukwu – to Burnley – £25m
Bashir Humphreys – to Burnley – £15m
Mathis Amougou – to Strasbourg – £12.5m
Kepa Arrizabalaga – to Arsenal – £5m
Marcus Bettinelli – to Man City – £5m
TOTAL – £183.5m
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