Chelsea, now world champions after their commanding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, return to action with their first pre-season match against Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
The fixture, part of the Visit Malta Weekender, kicks off at Stamford Bridge on Friday evening and is expected to give fans a first glimpse of the new-look Blues under Enzo Maresca.
This Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview examines the form, squad status, and likely lineups ahead of the exciting pre-season clash.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview: How Both Teams Are Looking
Chelsea began pre-season training later than most of their Premier League rivals, returning to Cobham on Monday following their extended Club World Cup campaign.
Despite the short turnaround, Maresca and his coaching staff have wasted no time in putting the players through double sessions in the gym and on the training pitch.
Familiar names like Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo have all rejoined the group, while new signings Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (wearing the No. 11 shirt), Estevão Willian (No. 41), and Jorrel Hato (No. 21) have slotted into the setup.
Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, are further ahead in their preparation. The German side have played four friendlies already under new manager Erik ten Hag, who replaced Xabi Alonso after the Spaniard departed for Real Madrid.
Though Leverkusen suffered a heavy 5-1 loss to Flamengo U23 in their first match, they have responded with three consecutive wins, including a 3-0 win over Pisa earlier this week. These matches have allowed Ten Hag to test out tactical ideas and build fitness across the squad.
Chelsea’s late return to training means they are still building match sharpness, while Leverkusen’s additional game time could make a difference on the pitch.
As this Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview highlights, Maresca will be keen to use this game as both a tactical experiment and a fitness-building opportunity.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview: Team News
In terms of squad availability, Chelsea have already suffered a setback. Levi Colwill is a doubt for the fixture after picking up a knock during Monday’s training session.
Speaking to club media, Maresca confirmed that the defender is being assessed, and the medical team will determine how long he could be out for.
Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana, who recently returned to light training, will not be rushed back into action and is expected to target full fitness ahead of the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
With fitness management a top priority, Maresca has signaled his intent to share minutes across the squad. Some players may be limited to a single half of football, while others could be rested entirely.
This measured approach is designed to avoid overloads after an intense 2024–25 season and a short summer break.
Leverkusen are also expected to rotate, but their longer pre-season has given them a head start. The German club will likely field a strong side with recent additions such as Malik Tillman and Jarell Quansah set to feature.
However, the absence of key names like Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, and Jeremie Frimpong, all of whom departed this summer, has weakened the spine of the squad.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview: Tactical Things to Look Out For
With pre-season time limited, Enzo Maresca is expected to use the Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen fixture to experiment with various tactical setups ahead of the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
Having already trialled multiple formations during the Club World Cup, the Italian coach will likely continue testing his evolving philosophy in Friday’s friendly at Stamford Bridge.
In the Club World Cup, particularly against sides Chelsea dominated in possession, Maresca deviated from his earlier statements about not using fullbacks in advanced roles.
In matches against Benfica and PSG, fullbacks were frequently deployed high up the pitch to create width and overloads.
Against Benfica, Marc Cucurella regularly pushed into attacking areas to support the left winger, while against PSG, Malo Gusto was often the most advanced wide player on the right, overlapping Cole Palmer with great effect.
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With new signings like Joao Pedro and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens expected to operate on the left side, their positioning, either wide on the touchline or cutting inside, could influence how the fullbacks are used.
If one of the forwards hugs the touchline and the other inside the left channel, Maresca may opt not to push the left-back forward, but if both occupy the left inside channels, it could allow the fullback to overlap aggressively and create a numerical advantage. This tactical flexibility will be key in Maresca’s attacking blueprint.
The left flank could also reshape Enzo Fernandez’s role. Over the past two seasons, the Argentine has been used more as a No. 10 or a box-to-box midfielder rather than in his natural holding role.
However, the dynamics on the left side could see him take on greater responsibility in the buildup phase by dropping deeper to dictate tempo while still making late runs into the box when space opens.
Another intriguing tactical decision will be how Maresca uses Reece James. Last season, James often played as a right-sided centre-back in a back three or occasionally as an inverted midfielder during buildup.
However, with defensive absences and a need to stretch play, he may be pushed forward into a more traditional wing-back role. Given his recurring injury issues, Maresca may tread cautiously, rotating him with Chalobah or playing him for limited minutes to protect his fitness.
Perhaps the most exciting possibility for fans watching Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen is the potential combination of Estevão Willian and Cole Palmer on the same right flank.
With James supporting from behind, that trio could form one of the most technically gifted and dangerous right-sided units in pre-season football.
Whether Maresca tests this configuration on Friday remains to be seen, but it is undoubtedly something Chelsea fans will be eager to witness.
Ultimately, the tactical wrinkles on show in this Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen game could provide early clues about how Maresca plans to shape his team for the season ahead, fluid, possession-based, and loaded with intelligent rotations across the pitch.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview: Predicted Lineups
The absence of Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana has created an early conundrum in Chelsea’s defensive unit. With two of their most trusted central defenders unavailable, Maresca will need to turn to new and younger options to step in.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Aaron Anselmino are the only senior central centre-backs available, although highly rated youngster Josh Acheampong could also feature in that role. The trio are expected to share duties across both halves.
Reece James may also be required to operate as a right wing-back temporarily as Chelsea continue adjusting to the squad dynamics. In midfield, Fernandez and Caicedo are expected to start as they build match fitness, while new names like Estevão and Joao Pedro will look to make an impact up front.
Here is our Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction for the starting elevens in each half:
First-Half XI:
Sanchez; James, Tosin, Cucurella; Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo; Estevão, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens; Liam Delap
Second-Half XI:
Jorgensen; Chalobah, Josh Acheampong, Hato; Lavia, Essugo, Andrey Santos; Pedro Neto, Tyrique George, Nicolas Jackson
Maresca is expected to make full use of his squad as the focus remains on fitness, tactical fluidity, and evaluating depth in key positions.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview: Players to Watch
One of the most anticipated appearances will be that of Estevão Willian, the teenage Brazilian talent who recently joined from Palmeiras.
Though still just 17, Estevão has already made his ambitions clear in his first interview with the club, declaring his desire to win every possible title and become one of the best players in the world. This pre-season opener could be his first chance to show glimpses of that potential in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, wearing the No. 11 shirt, is another exciting addition expected to get fans off their seats. Known for his pace and dribbling, he offers a different dynamic out wide. On the Leverkusen side, Malik Tillman will be a key figure.
The American attacking midfielder, who joined this summer, is expected to play a creative role behind the striker as Ten Hag experiments with his setup.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview: How to Watch
As part of the Visit Malta Weekender, the highly anticipated pre-season clash between Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen is set to light up Stamford Bridge on Friday, 8th August 2025.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkuse will kick off at 7:00 PM (UK time), with coverage starting from 6:30 PM. The game marks Chelsea’s first official pre-season outing under Enzo Maresca, offering fans a first look at several new signings and returning stars.
What TV Channel is Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen On?
Supporters in the UK can watch Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen live on Channel 5, which will broadcast both of Chelsea’s pre-season matches this weekend. Coverage begins at 6:30 PM, giving fans plenty of build-up ahead of kick-off.
Fans who prefer to stream the match can do so for free via Channel 5’s online platform or through DAZN, which is also providing a live stream of the match.
