Preview: Kawasaki Frontale vs. Chelsea – Forecasts, Team News, Team Lists

Holding the Premier League Chelsea continue their pre-season campaign on Friday when they take Kawasaki Frontale in Yokohama.

Frank LampardThe team could be put to the test against a team that is currently in third place in Japan's first race.

Kawasaki Frontale

Chelsea faces a number of different nations and opposition levels during their pre-season, and the Blues should naturally get the best of Kawasaki on Friday.

However, their hosts are the defending champions of the J-League, as they suffered only one defeat in 18 league games during the current campaign.

If you add the fact that only 11 goals were conceded during this period, Kawasaki is convinced that he has even more chances to face one of the world's largest teams. .

Unlike some of their closest rivals, Kawasaki has not decided to sign stars to strengthen his profile, while only a few of his players are regulars on the Japanese national team.

The eulogy of the manager Toru Oniki Throughout his two-year term, it can be said that the 45-year-old deserves more credit for the work he has done in a club he has represented throughout his career.

Their most influential player is undoubtedly captain Yu Kobayashi, who has scored in his last three outings in the J-League and has been in free form form over the past three years.

Hiroyuki Abe is another who stands out, while the former goalkeeper of South Korea Jung Sung-ryong should take his place among the sticks.

Recent form: DDWWDW

Chelsea

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Lampard has already used four different lineups in two pre-season matches, but the trip to Japan gave an indication on which players will appear in the plans of the first English team.

A team of 25 players has been nominated for matches with Kawasaki and Barcelona, ​​the marginal contenders being named in the place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The majority of the people selected for the time spent in Asia will expect to occupy an important place in one of the matches while Lampard moves away from the mbad changes at halftime.

The matches against Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic gave Lampard the opportunity to try different things, both in terms of staff and formations, with the diamond-shaped midfielder facing the last of the two Irish teams.

Unlike his predecessor Maurizio SarriIt's a team from Chelsea that will have to adapt to different positions as the Blues try to narrow the gap between Manchester City and Liverpool.

The attack with Barcelona could be more important next week – which represents a chance for Lampard to see where his team is currently – although the wish is also to take the best of one of the best teams. from Japan.

Mount Mason and Olivier Giroud were the stars of St. Patrick's Saturday's 4-0 win, with St Patrick taking a 1-2 finish Michy Batshuayi and Tammy Abraham did not score in the first half.

With regard to defense, Lampard will evaluate the development of Kurt Zouma, who continues to be tied to Everton while it seems he should stay at Stamford Bridge.

Recent form: DW

News from the team

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Despite traveling with the team, N & # 39; Golo Kante may miss Friday while he continues to get rid of a hamstring problem.

New arrival Christian Pulisic could be limited to an appearance outside the seat after his recent return from an international mission with the United States.

Giroud should have the green light to attack, while Lampard could experience a new partnership in the middle of the field while he wondered if he should keep Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Oniki could start with his most powerful XI, although several changes are expected throughout the fight, Kawasaki returning to the J-League next week.

Kawasaki Frontale possible at departure:
Jung; Noborizato, Jesiel, Taniguchi, Kurumaya; Shimoda, Tanaka; Abe, Nakamura, Saito; Kobayashi

Chelsea possible start line:
Caballero; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Luiz, Palmieri; Jorginho, Bakayoko; Mount, Barkley, Pedro; Giroud

Head-to-head

These two clubs will meet for the first time in their history.

We say: Kawasaki Frontale 1-3 Chelsea

Chelsea will be waiting to record victory Friday night, but do not be surprised if they are disturbed by their hosts. Nevertheless, we are expecting a lot of Lampard changes at half-time and in the second half, and freshness could be crucial at full-time whistle.

To read further:

How Chelsea could line up under Lampard

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