Chelsea Clash with Bayer Leverkusen: High-Stakes Friendly Showdown - Team Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Chelsea make their comeback to competitive play following their triumphant FIFA Club World Cup victory this summer as they welcome Bayer Leverkusen for a preseason match.
The London club has experienced a successful period, securing their spot in the Champions League and claiming the Europa Conference League title at the conclusion of the previous campaign, before earning world champion status in the United States during mid-July. Focus now shifts to the upcoming season, with Chelsea set to launch their Premier League journey at home against Crystal Palace on August 17.
Chelsea will prepare for their London clash by welcoming Leverkusen followed by AC Milan in exhibition matches, with their collection of new acquisitions poised to make their home debuts.
Leverkusen have bounced back from their embarrassing 5–1 loss to Flamengo's Under-20 squad in Erik ten Hag's inaugural match leading the team, with the former Manchester United manager subsequently achieving friendly victories against Bochum, Fortuna Sittard and Pisa. After losing coach Xabi Alonso and several of their top performers during the summer, the German club faces what appears to be a difficult campaign ahead.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Friday's pre-season fixture.
What Time Does Chelsea vs. Bayer Leverkusen Kick-Off?
Chelsea vs. Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head Record (All Time)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Chelsea | Bayer Leverkusen |
|---|---|
Chelsea 3–0 PSG - 13/07/25 | Leverkusen 3–0 Pisa - 05/08/25 |
Fluminense 0–2 Chelsea - 08/07/25 | Fortuna Sittard 1–2 Leverkusen - 01/08/25 |
Palmeiras 1–2 Chelsea - 05/07/25 | Bochum 0–2 Leverkusen - 27/07/25 |
Benfica 1–4 Chelsea AET - 28/06/25 | Flamengo U20 5–1 Leverkusen - 18/07/25 |
ES Tunis 0–3 Chelsea - 25/06/25 | Mainz 2–2 Leverkusen - 17/05/25 |
How to Watch Chelsea vs. Bayer Leverkusen on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN, Channel 5 |
United States | Paramount+, DAZN, CBS Sports Golazo |
Canada | DAZN |
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea revealed that Levi Colwill had successful surgery to fix an ACL injury that will keep him out for most of the coming season.
Maresca also stated that Wesley Fofana is expected to return at the start of the new Premier League campaign, but won't be available for the forthcoming matches against Leverkusen and Milan.
Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens and Estêvão will all be eager to make their unofficial first appearances, while João Pedro, Liam Delap and Dário Essugo are expected to feature for the first time at Stamford Bridge wearing Chelsea colors.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Pedro.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
New additions Axel Tape, Jarell Quansah and Mark Flekken will receive additional playing time in Ten Hag's defensive setup on Friday night, while summer signing Malik Tillman will be anxious to make his first appearance for Die Werkself following his expensive transfer from PSV Eindhoven.
Leverkusen have parted ways with Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong who joined Liverpool this summer, while Granit Xhaka and Jonathan Tah have also left for Sunderland and Bayern Munich respectively. They must quickly adjust to operating without four key contributors.
Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Leverkusen predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Flekken; Quansah, Tapsoba, Hincapié; Arthur, Palacios, Andrich, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Tella; Schick.
Chelsea vs. Bayer Leverkusen Score Prediction
Chelsea may show some rust after a month away from action but morale should remain elevated following their Club World Cup success. Maresca is expected to field a competitive starting eleven as preparations intensify for the new campaign.
This isn't the same Leverkusen squad that controlled the Bundesliga in 2023–24 and they have parted with numerous essential players throughout their roster. Ten Hag has not yet encountered a test of Chelsea's caliber during pre-season and he could suffer defeat upon his return to England.