Chelsea kick off their whistle-stop tour of Japan with a friendly match against reigning J-League champions Kawasaki Frontale on Friday.
Frank Lampard has trimmed down his squad in preparation for the sides upcoming pre-season fixtures, and naturally, more senior figures have come in to replace the less experienced players whom Chelsea feel would benefit from a loan spell away from the club.
Whilst it is by no means surprising to suggest that Chelsea’s Japanese opponents have been labelled underdogs heading into the game, the Blues must guard against complacency, with Kawasaki Frontale already underway in their domestic season, losing just once in their last 18 games.
Kawasaki Frontale possess a potent goal threat in the form of Yu Kobayashi, who has scored in his last three J-League games, whilst former South-Korea goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong provides plenty of big-game experience having picked up a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics with his international colleagues.
N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic are the only potential doubts ahead of the game, with Kawasaki Frontale expected to field a full-strength side.
Here’s how we think the Blues could line up:
