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Absolute Chelsea Chelsea vs Real Sociedad: Confirmed Team News For Pre-Season Friendly For one final time in pre-season, Chelsea concludes their summer preparations for the upcoming campaign. Xabi Alonso has named his Chelsea side to face Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15. Chelsea play their final pre-season match on Saturday afternoon in front of their own supporters to conclude preparations for the upcoming 2026/27 Premier League campaign. Xabi Alonso gets the chance to meet his home crowd for the first time after his four-year appointment this summer, as Chelsea put the finishing touches on what they have been working on and building over the last month or so during pre-season. They will be keen to end their six-game schedule with a victory after five matches in Australia and Asia, where they won two, lost two, and drew the other. It's been a period of settling in and familiarising with the squad, staff and environment for Alonso. But it appears the Spaniard has started to settle on names he wants to trust and go with in 2026-27, as well as those fighting to prove why they should remain part of the team rather than being loaned out or sold on a permanent basis. Now they welcome the Spanish side, Real Sociedad, who are managed by Pellegrino Matarazzo, to west London on Saturday for another test, giving Alonso another chance to instil his ideas and approach in his team. Alonso has named his side for the match, with Robert Sanchez continuing in goal as he looks to claim his long-term position as the club's number one under Alonso. New signing Maxence Lacroix starts alongside Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana. It’s a boost for Chelsea given Colwill’s absence in the previous two games. Reece James captains the side in midfield, partnering Moises Caicedo. Morgan Rogers starts for the first time. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro join him in attack. Enzo Fernandez is among the substitutes for the Blues. Valentin Barco will be hoping for some minutes. Mike Penders also returns on the bench after his absence in Asia. Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens also will be keen for minutes against the Spanish side this afternoon. Confirmed teams for Chelsea vs Real Sociedad Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill, Palestra, James (c), Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro Bench: Penders, Slonina, Acheampong, Chavarria, Gusto, Hato, Barco, Essugo, Fernandez, Lavia, Quenda, Estevao Willian, Gittens Real Sociedad XI: A. Remiro, Aramburu, Barrene, Óskarsson, Herrera, Take, Sergio Gómez, C. Soler, Sučić, Jon Martín, Beitia Bench: Marrero, Folgado, Aihen, Zubeldia, Turrientes, Oyarzabal, Marín, Zakharyan, Ruperez, Goti, Marchal, Lebarbier, Ochieng