Xabi Alonso Prepares Chelsea for Tottenham Clash

Xabi Alonso is ready to turn up the volume.

After easing his way into life as Chelsea head coach with heavy rotation and cautious minutes for his biggest names, the Spaniard looks set to lean on more of his star power when his side meet Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham in Saturday’s pre-season clash.

This is only Alonso’s second game in charge, but the stakes are already clear enough. It’s a friendly on paper; in reality, it’s a first look at how his Chelsea might shape up when the real stuff starts – and a chance to land an early blow on a London rival.

Stronger spine, bigger statements

In the previous outing, Alonso kept most of his headline acts parked on the bench, then unleashed them in a sweeping wave of changes with 25 minutes to go. Robert Sanchez, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Cole Palmer, Marco Palestra, Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro all arrived in one bold reshuffle.

This time, several of those names are pushing to start.

Sanchez is in line to take over from Teddy Sharman-Lowe in goal, offering experience and authority behind a defence still learning Alonso’s demands. Colwill is another likely promotion, the left-footed centre-back needing minutes to sharpen his timing and rhythm at the heart of the back line.

Palestra, a summer arrival, is waiting for his first start in royal blue. Alonso has shown early admiration for Landon Emenalo at left-back, though, and the youngster’s form means he could easily keep his place and force the newcomer to bide his time.

Young sparks and fan favourites

Pre-season is often about auditions, and a couple of Chelsea hopefuls seized their moment against Western Sydney.

Reggie Watson lit up that match and, in doing so, won over a chunk of the Chelsea support almost overnight. Direct, fearless, and busy in all the right areas, he has played his way into the conversation for another start or, at the very least, a significant role off the bench.

Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli made a similar impact after coming on, injecting energy and purpose late on. He, too, has nudged himself into Alonso’s thinking as the coach searches for reliable options across the attacking line.

Romeo Lavia’s situation is more delicate. Alonso has confirmed the midfielder is fit again after missing the Western Sydney game with hamstring discomfort. Given Lavia’s long-running fitness issues, though, the temptation to involve him will be balanced by the risk. All signs point to caution: available, but unlikely to be thrown into the fray in a pre-season friendly.

Attacking reshuffle

Up front, the pieces are starting to fall into a more recognisable pattern.

Dastan Satpayev will look to keep his place off the left flank, having done enough to warrant another look in that role. On the opposite side, Cole Palmer is expected to step in from the start, giving Chelsea a creative outlet who can drift inside, dictate tempo and threaten goal.

Reggie Walsh is set to continue as the No10, a nod to his influence in the pockets between midfield and attack. Ahead of him, there is likely to be a change: Liam Delap is poised to make way, with Joao Pedro pushing to lead the line and offer sharper movement and a more polished presence in the box.

It’s a front four with balance – youth and experience, runners and creators – and one that should offer a clearer glimpse of Alonso’s attacking blueprint.

New signings wait, injuries linger

Not everyone is ready to join the show.

Maxence Lacroix, freshly signed from Crystal Palace and already announced by Chelsea, will not feature. His integration will have to wait. The same applies to Morgan Rogers, who remains on post-World Cup holidays and is yet to link up with the squad.

Fitness clouds still hang over Jorrel Hato and Mamadou Sarr after both missed the Western Sydney match. Their involvement against Tottenham is uncertain and will hinge on late assessments, leaving Alonso to keep alternative defensive plans in his back pocket.

Filip Jorgensen, meanwhile, has already departed the tour to complete a transfer, closing that chapter before the season even begins.

Early test of ideas

For Alonso, this meeting with De Zerbi is about more than a result. It’s a live rehearsal against a high-energy Tottenham side coached by a manager with a clear, aggressive identity.

The Chelsea head coach has started cautiously, rotating heavily and spreading minutes, but the pressure to show shape, structure and intent grows with every game. A stronger XI, sharper combinations, and a few bolder selections will tell supporters plenty about where this project is heading.

Pre-season or not, Tottenham will test the theory. How brave Alonso is with his team sheet will say just as much.