| Chelsea vs Johor | |
| MATCH | Club Friendlies |
| DATE | 09 - 08 - 2026 |
| TIME | 05.30 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Stadium |
Chelsea vs Johor Darul Ta’zim Preview: Blues Look to Continue Momentum Under Xabi Alonso
Chelsea continue their pre-season tour with a meeting against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim, and Xabi Alonso will be hoping to build on the encouraging signs shown in recent matches.
Although the Blues suffered defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus earlier in the tour, Alonso was still able to take positives from the performances of his reshaped squad. Chelsea created numerous chances in those games but lacked the finishing touch that ultimately cost them.
That issue was solved emphatically against AC Milan, as the Blues produced one of their most complete displays of pre-season. Joao Pedro continued his outstanding form by scoring twice, taking his tally to five goals on the Australia and Asia tour, while Moises Caicedo added a superb long-range strike.
Just as importantly for Alonso, Milan failed to register a single shot on target, highlighting the defensive control Chelsea enjoyed throughout the contest.
Heavy rotation expected from Chelsea
With this fixture taking place only a day after the Milan victory, Chelsea are expected to field a completely different starting XI.
The match will provide an opportunity for several fringe players to impress, particularly those who featured against Johor Darul Ta’zim earlier in the tour and know they are fighting for places ahead of the new season.
After this game, Chelsea will return to England for their final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad next weekend.
Johor arrive full of confidence
Johor Darul Ta’zim enter the contest in good spirits after an impressive set of results against Spanish opposition.
The Malaysian side first held Elche to a goalless draw before beating FC Cartagena 2-0. While Cartagena currently compete in the third tier of Spanish football, the victory still represented another confidence boost for Xisco Munoz’s team.
Former Watford and Sheffield Wednesday boss Xisco has built a dominant side in Malaysia. During the 2025-26 Malaysian Super League season, Johor scored an astonishing 117 goals in 24 matches, conceded only 10, and dropped points in just one game all season.
Team news
Chelsea are likely to rotate heavily, especially in defence.
Marco Palestra, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato all played more than 79 minutes against AC Milan and are unlikely to start again. Alonso may therefore switch to a back three, potentially using two of Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian and Mykhailo Mudryk as wing-backs.
Another possibility is a back four with Mamadou Sarr operating at right-back, which would give Chelsea greater attacking balance.
Key players from the Milan match are expected to be rested, including Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Johor may stick with the side that defeated Cartagena. Oscar Arribas and Marcos Guilherme were both on the scoresheet in that game and should retain their places.
Match prediction
Chelsea’s second-string side may lack the fluency shown against AC Milan, but the depth of quality available to Xabi Alonso should still give the Blues a clear edge.
Johor Darul Ta’zim are well organised and arrive with confidence after strong recent results, so they are capable of making the contest competitive, particularly in transition.
However, Chelsea’s superior technical level and attacking options should prove decisive.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Johor Darul Ta’zim
