Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund are gearing up for a thrilling pre-season clash at Soldier Field in Chicago, marking a significant moment in their preparations for the forthcoming campaign. After Chelsea’s recent triumph in the Premier League Summer Series, they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak.

On the flip side, Dortmund looks to sustain its immaculate pre-season record. To get a clearer picture of what to expect, here's a listicle providing a comprehensive preview of the showdown:

The Road So Far: Chelsea's Summer Series Triumph

After an electrifying 5-0 win against Wrexham, Chelsea continued their form to conquer the Premier League Summer Series tournament in the USA. Victories over Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Fulham - including decisive goals from Thiago Silva and newcomer Christopher Nkunku - solidified their top position.

Dortmund's Perfect Pre-season Start

Dortmund has spared no effort in their pre-season preparations. With four initial victories against Westfalia Rhynern, Rot-Weiss Oberhausen, Rot-Weiss Erfurt, and a dominant 6-0 against San Diego Loyal, they showcased their readiness. Their confidence was further bolstered with a thrilling 3-2 win against Manchester United.

Key Players to Watch

Chelsea's forwards, Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have been making headlines since their transfer. With three pre-season goals from Nkunku and two from Jackson, they are players to keep an eye on. For Dortmund, Donyell Malen and starlet Youssoufa Moukoko have been on fire, contributing crucial goals in their recent matches.

Injury Concerns

Chelsea might miss out on Noni Madueke and Trevoh Chalobah due to injuries. Dortmund's recent signing, Felix Nmecha, is doubtful alongside Nico Schlotterbeck and Julien Duranville who missed the previous game against Manchester United.

How to Catch the Action?

For fans eager to watch, the face-off will take place on Thursday, 03-08-2023 at 12:30 AM (GMT) in Soldier Field, Chicago.

• India: Stream on Chelseafc.com.
• UK: To watch the stream, go to Chelseafc.com or Viaplay Sports 1 if you're in the UK.
• USA: Telecast on ESPNU, ESPN+.
• Nigeria: Stream on Chelseafc.com.

Transfers and Rumors

Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, has been active in the transfer market. The Blues have bolstered their ranks by bringing in the likes of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig and Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal. Moreover, recent speculations hint at Chelsea's potential moves for Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi and Rennes midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.

Managers' Outlook

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea's coach, has expressed satisfaction, especially with the forwards he recently acquired. He's particularly impressed by the synergy of Nkunku and Jackson in the front line. Contrarily, Edin Terzic, Dortmund's manager, believes there's still room for improvement despite the team's winning streak in the preseason.

History Speaks: Previous Encounters

Earlier this year, the two giants clashed in the Champions League last 16, with Chelsea emerging victorious over two legs. While Dortmund won 1-0 in Germany, Chelsea retaliated with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. With a history of such intense competition, this friendly promises high stakes.

Conclusion

The Chelsea vs. Dortmund clash is more than just a pre-season friendly. With both teams showcasing their might and seeking to assert their dominance, fans are in for a treat. As both clubs prepare to dive into their respective seasons, this game will offer a glimpse of what to expect in the year ahead.