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PREVIEW | Chelsea

A look ahead to the first home game of the pre-season against the Blues on our kit launch and family fun day

14 July 2017

The Reds take on a Chelsea XI this Saturday in the opening home game of pre-season, as Head Coach Harry Kewell takes to the Checkatrade Stadium touchline for the first time.

Preparations for the new campaign continue with a third pre-season fixture, with the club hosting a Chelsea XI side on Saturday afternoon.

There will also be a Family Fun Day taking place at the stadium from 12 – 3pm ahead of kick off, as well as the new kit launch at 1.15pm - and don't forget that Devils Den will be open from 2pm.

The Reds have so far only played two pre-season games, both away from home, to East Grinstead Town and Oakwood. More details on the fun day can be found here.

We'll also be launching our brand new club shop on Saturday - find details of pricing and our new range of Errea Sportswear here.

The Opposition

The Blues have already confirmed their squad for Saturday’s fixture, and a full list can be found here.

Of the opposition squad, we’ve picked out three players who are worth keeping an eye on.

Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman spent last season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, where he impressed by keeping 11 clean sheets in his first 25 appearances.

Under-20 World Cup winning defender Jake Clarke Salter played an important role in helping the Young Lions to glory this summer, and is in the Blues squad this Saturday.

Jeremie Boga has decent pedigree at senior level, having been away on loan at Stade Rennais and Granada, whilst also representing Ivory Coast.

Ex-Blues playing for the Reds

Kaby Djalo spent five years at the club’s academy from 2007 to 2012, and is the main feature of tomorrow’s programme, in which he speaks about his time at Chelsea.

Billy Clifford was with the club from 2010 and 2014 and whilst the midfielder never made a first team appearance, he was an unused substitute in an away Champions League fixture against Spartak Moscow.

Jimmy Smith spent his entire youth career at the Blues, signing as nine-year old in 1996.

He would spend the next 13 years at the club, going on loan several times but also making one appearance for the first team under Jose Mourinho in 2006, coming on as a substitute away to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Click here for details on tomorrow's matchday programme.


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