Chelsea and AC Milan Clash in High-Stakes Friendly: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Chelsea welcome AC Milan for their concluding preseason fixture of the summer, fitting in two matches between the FIFA Club World Cup and the Premier League's commencement.
Anticipation is building at Stamford Bridge following Chelsea's triumph over Paris Saint-Germain to claim world championship status. Combined with a UEFA Conference League title and significant acquisitions, the Blues may not yet be positioned to compete with Liverpool or Arsenal, but they remain close to the leading pack and could potentially deliver surprises this campaign.
The Blues dominated Bay Leverkusen in their previous outing, largely due to Estêvão's inaugural appearance. The Brazilian prodigy impressed from kickoff and netted the match's opening strike. Though he may not receive substantial playing time on Sunday, the Blues appear to possess a future star.
AC Milan, meanwhile, are adapting to Massimiliano Allegri as their latest manager following another coaching transition after brief spells under Paulo Fonseca and Sérgio Conceição. Following their preseason opening defeat to Arsenal, Milan rebounded with victories over Liverpool and Perth Glory, netting 13 goals combined across both encounters.
The Rossoneri drew their preseason match yesterday with a rapid turnaround before returning home for a Coppa Italia fixture.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Sunday's preseason clash.
What Time Does Chelsea vs. AC Milan Kick-Off?
Chelsea vs. AC Milan Head-to-Head Record (All Time)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Chelsea | AC Milan |
|---|---|
Chelsea 2–0 Leverkusen - 8/08/25 | Leeds United 1–1 AC Milan - 9/08/25 |
Chelsea 3–0 PSG - 13/07/25 | Perth Glory 0–9 AC Milan - 31/07/25 |
Fluminense 0–2 Chelsea - 08/07/25 | Liverpool 1–2 AC Milan - 26/07/25 |
Palmeiras 1–2 Chelsea - 05/07/25 | Milan 0–1 Arsenal - 27/07/25 |
Benfica 1–4 Chelsea AET - 28/06/25 | Milan 2–0 Leverkusen - 24/07/25 |
How to Watch Chelsea vs. AC Milan on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN, Channel 5 |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea confirmed Levi Colwill completed successful surgery to address an ACL injury that will sideline him for most of the forthcoming season.
Nicolas Jackson is unlikely to participate given speculation about a summer departure and his omission from the matchday roster against Leverkusen. Despite the brief recovery period since Friday, Maresca might allow most of his key players a half of action considering Chelsea enjoyed an extended rest following the FIFA Club World Cup final. Therefore, anticipate appearances from players such as Jorrel Hato, Cole Palmer and Jamie Gittens.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. AC Milan
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Milan (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Pedro.
AC Milan Team News
Even more unusual than Chelsea's quick turnaround, the Rossoneri contested a friendly on Saturday versus Leeds United. Those anticipating Christian Pulisic's spectacular return to Stamford Bridge will be let down to discover the USMNT standout remains sidelined with an injury sustained against Liverpool.
Massimiliano Allegri provided several players substantial minutes against Leeds which may significantly influence his starting eleven on Sunday.
AC Milan Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
AC Milan predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Ricci, Modric, Saelemaekers, Dutu; Sa, Gimenez
Chelsea vs. AC Milan Score Prediction
The Blues appeared seamless in their transition from the Club World Cup final to their match against Leverkusen. Additionally, they've strengthened their squad with new attacking options including Estêvão, Gittens and Hato. In their final preseason encounter, Chelsea claim another victory.