CHE VS POR: Chelsea’s Confirmed Team News And Best Possible Starting Line-up Against Portsmouth

According to the London Evening Standard on Friday, October 2, 2026, Chelsea are set to face Portsmouth in a behind-closed-doors friendly this weekend as they look to maintain their players’ fitness and match sharpness during the international break.

The fixture comes after Chelsea suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Brentford on September 18. With the Blues not scheduled to return to Premier League action until October 10, when they face Bournemouth, the Portsmouth match will give manager Xabi Alonso an opportunity to keep his squad competitive and assess players who need additional minutes.

The friendly could be especially useful for members of the squad who have had limited playing time or are returning from injury. It will provide several players with an opportunity to demonstrate their fitness and make a case for involvement when competitive football resumes.

Summer signings Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha are among those who could feature. Both players made positive impressions during pre-season but have yet to make their competitive debuts for Chelsea. Palestra can operate on the right side as either a full-back or an attacking wing-back, and an impressive performance could strengthen his chances of receiving more opportunities under Alonso.

Emegha could also be involved in the attack, while experienced forward Danny Welbeck may feature if he has recovered sufficiently from the hamstring injury he suffered during a friendly against Bromley in July.

Kendry Paez could receive another chance to impress after struggling to establish himself in Alonso’s senior squad. The Ecuador international has spent time on loan at Strasbourg and River Plate and has continued playing for Chelsea’s Under-21 side.

Chelsea are also monitoring the fitness of several first-team players. Palmer left the England camp and travelled overseas to undertake a personalised training programme with a Chelsea coach. James is another concern after missing England selection because of a hamstring injury.

Caicedo was left out of Ecuador’s latest squad after sustaining a calf injury, although he had reportedly been progressing toward a return before the defeat to Brentford.

Joao Pedro remains in rehabilitation with a knee specialist after withdrawing from Brazil duty, while Gittens continues recovering from an ankle injury suffered during England Under-21 duty.

Youngsters Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli will miss the friendly because they are representing England Under-17s against Germany. Chelsea could therefore rely on players from their Cobham Next Gen group to complete the squad.

A possible lineup could see Sharman-Lowe in goal, with Gusto, Fofana and Colwill in defence. Palestra, Caicedo, Henderson and Chavarria could occupy midfield roles, while Paez, Welbeck and Emegha lead the attack in a 3-4-3 formation.

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