Chelsea wrap up a tough preseason campaign tonight with a friendly against Serie A Udinese. After an uncertain start to the summer, Thomas Tuchel has been overseeing further issues since returning to service, questioning the commitment of some of his players after the 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in Orlando.
The Premier League season opener is now just days away and questions remain about some key players at Stamford Bridge. Cesar Azpilicueta is eager to move to Barcelonawhile Timo Werner has hinted at an exit.
Still, there are real football issues to deal with first. Tuchel, torn apart by Arsenal, must get his side in shape before they travel to Everton next weekend. Start the season with a loss and perhaps the kind of slump that occurred during the backend of his last campaign will determine how his team starts the new season. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE match blog below!
Live updates
How to watch?
TV channel: Tonight’s match will not be broadcast live on TV in the UK.
Live Stream: However, Chelsea is streaming the game for free through their website and the 5th Stand app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action as it happens via Standard Sport live blog.
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Chelsea’s final preseason game of the summer against Udinese.
The summer break has been a difficult one for Thomas Tuchel and the German will need a big performance to keep the spirits up as they head into their Premier League season opener at Everton next week.
Kick-off from the Dacia Arena – or the Stadio Friuli – in Udine is at 8pm BST and Nizaar Kinsella will provide an expert analysis tonight.