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Final preseason match of Xabi Alonso’s first year at helm for the Blues. We take on Real Sociedad at home in a match where the only TV coverage worldwide is a channel from the Basque Country, where our opponents are from. Chelsea vs. Real Sociedad, Friendly: Lineups & Game Thread Last one before it gets real It should be an interesting match given our entire squad is now available. Including captain Reece James, who starts today, and vice-captain (?) Enzo Fernández. Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill, Palestra; James (c), Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Rogers; João Pedro Substitutes from: Penders, Slonina, Acheampong, Chavarría, Gusto, Hato, Essugo, Lavia, Barco, Enzo, Estêvão, Gittens, Quenda Real Sociedad starting eleven: Remiro; Aramburu, Barrene, Óskarsson, Herrera, Take, Sergio Gómez, C. Soler, Sucic, Jon Martin, Beitia Substitutes from: Marrero, Folgado, Aihen, Zubeldia, Turrientes, Oyarzabal, Marín, Zakharyan, Ruperez, Goti, Marchal, Lebarbier, Ochieng Date / Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 14.00 BST; 9am EDT; 7:30pm IST Venue: Stamford Bridge, SW6 On TV: none (USA/UK); ETB 1 (Spain); elsewhere Streaming: CFC+ (everywhere except Spain) — £9.99 for just the game or £14.99/$19.99 for the whole season