Chelsea round off their pre-season schedule on Saturday when they welcome Real Sociedad to Stamford Bridge. The fixture carries extra significance for Blues boss Xabi Alonso, who comes up against the club where he began both his playing and coaching careers before turning his attention to Chelseas Premier League opener.The Blues have recorded two wins, two defeats and a draw from their five summer friendlies, with an impressive 3-0 victory over AC Milan followed by an entertaining 3-3 draw against Johor Darul Tazim 24 hours later.Alonsos attacking ideas have already started to take shape, with Chelsea creating plenty of chances throughout pre-season, but defensive lapses have also highlighted areas that still require improvement before the competitive campaign begins.Real Sociedad arrive in London after an inconsistent pre-season under new head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo.The Basque side have managed two wins, one draw and three defeats across their six friendlies, although victories over Wolves and Aston Villa demonstrated their ability to trouble Premier League opposition.Table of ContentsChelsea v Real Sociedad team newsChelsea v Sociedad predicted line-upsWhere to watch Chelsea v Sociedad: TV and online streamsChelsea v Real Sociedad statsChelsea v Sociedad predictionChelsea v Real Sociedad team newsChelsea have welcomed several World Cup stars back into the squad this week, including Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Malo Gusto.Most of the returning players are expected to feature from the bench as they continue building fitness, while summer signing Pep Chavarria could also make his first appearance.Joao Pedro is expected to lead the attack after an excellent pre-season, with Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill all pushing for starts.Aaron Anselmino is doubtful after picking up an injury against Johor Darul Tazim, while Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha will also need late fitness checks.Real Sociedad remain without long-term absentee Alvaro Odriozola because of a knee injury.Orri Oskarsson has been the visitors standout performer in pre-season, scoring three goals in five appearances, while Carlos Soler has also impressed with two goals.Spain international Mikel Oyarzabal has returned following the World Cup and could feature from the bench, although a starting role appears unlikely.Chelsea v Sociedad predicted line-upsChelsea: Sanchez; Palestra, Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Caicedo, Lavia; Estevao, Palmer, Gittens; Joao PedroReal Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Martin, Zubeldia, Gomez; Herrera, Turrientes; Barrenetxea, Soler, Marchal; OskarssonWhere to watch Chelsea v Sociedad: TV and online streamsKick-off on Sunday is at 14:00 BST (08:00 PT / 05:00 ET). Live coverage and streaming is on CFC Plus, which costs �14.99 a year.Chelsea v Real Sociedad statsThese teams met at Stamford Bridge in a friendly in 2014, when new signings Thibaut Courtois, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa made their first Chelsea appearancesCosta scored both goals in Chelseas 2-0 win the first after 58 seconds while Blues striker Fernando Torres made his final appearance for the club in the gameJose Mourinho, who will meet Sociedad this season in his second spell as Real Madrid manager, was in his second tenure as Chelsea boss at the time of that matchMourinho guided Chelsea to the Premier League title by eight points ahead of Manchester City that season, as well as EFL Cup gloryChelseas competitive record against Spanish clubs is W22 D18 L13, including their current two-match winning run in such fixtures, comprising a 3-0 home win over Barcelona in the Champions League in November 2025 and a 4-1 victory over Betis to win the Conference League in Wroclaw the previous MayOne of the managers Chelsea are set to face in this seasons Premier League, David Moyes, took charge of Sociedad three months after that friendly at Stamford Bridge, succeeding Jagoba ArrasateSociedad finished 12th in La Liga that season, helped by new Manchester City goalkeeper Geronimo RulliThey visited England in pre-season in 2025/26 to play two friendlies on August 9 against Bournemouth, drawing 1-1 in the first of those games through Ander Barrenetxeas 89th-minute equaliserThe second game at the Vitality Stadium finished 0-0, preceding a season in which Sociedad finished 10th in La Liga and won the Copa del ReyThey faced English opposition in the 2024/25 Europa League, drawing 1-1 at home to Manchester United before losing 4-1 at Old Trafford. Mikel Oyarzabal scored both of their goalsAgainst English clubs, Sociedads competitive record is W1 D3 L6. The last eight of those games have been against United, with the victory a 1-0 win at Old Trafford during the Europa League group stage in September 2022Chelsea v Sociedad predictionChelseas returning World Cup stars should provide an extra boost, while Real Sociedads defensive struggles are difficult to ignore.The visitors have looked dangerous going forward throughout pre-season, but Chelseas attacking quality should prove too much at Stamford Bridge.Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Real Sociedad. Topics Chelsea F.C. Cole Palmer Danny Welbeck Enzo Fernandez Joao Pedro LaLiga Moises Caicedo Pedro Neto Premier League Real Sociedad Reece James Wesley Fofana Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read 10 newcomers to watch in the 2026/27 Premier League campaign Mitch Fretton 14th August, 2026 Why Arsenal boss Arteta wants to sign Jarell Quansah Ben Miller 14th August, 2026 Manchester City boss Maresca suggests Fernandez deal is off after refusing to meet Chelseas deadline Jon Fisher 14th August, 2026 Manchester City reject second offer from Barcelona for Rodri but know clock is ticking on Enzo deal Jon Fisher 13th August, 2026 Liverpool: Season preview, ins and outs, one to watch and prediction under Iraola Ben Miller 13th August, 2026 How to watch the Premier League 2026/27: Full details of TV channel, confirmed online streams to follow English football Ben Miller 12th August, 2026
