Optus Stadium will play host to its first football match on Monday night when Hyundai A-League side Perth Glory hosts Premier League outfit Chelsea.
The Blues are bringing a high-quality squad Down Under for the match which is seen as vital preparation ahead of their new domestic campaign, which begins on August 11.
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With a new coach on board as well, here’s who to look out for when Chelsea take on Tony Popovic’s Glory.
Cesc Fabregas
If you believe some of the rumours then the match against Glory could well be Fabregas’ last for Chelsea, with reports he’s on his way out of the club.
If it is to be a swansong then Aussie fans are in for a treat because the Spanish midfielder is one of the most technically-adept and creative in the Chelsea squad.
You only have to look at his CV and honours list to understand how good the 31-year-old is.
Not only did he win the FIFA World Cup™ with Spain in 2010, two European Championships as well, a couple of Premier League titles with the Blues, two FA Cup triumphs as well as a La Liga title and UEFA Super Cup during his time with Barcelona.
David Luiz
Known also as ‘Sideshow Bob’ due to his hairstyle, Luiz is regarded as one of the most skilful centre-backs in world football.
Surprisingly left out of Brazil’s squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ in Russia, the Selecao’s loss is Australia’s gain with Luiz a confirmed traveller in this Chelsea squad.
Was the world’s most expensive defender when he signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2014, Luiz returned to Chelsea a couple of years later and helped the club win the Premier League title that season.
While the defensive side of his game is his strength, the 31-year-old is also deadly from free-kicks anywhere around the penalty area.
Pedro
Another of the Chelsea squad with a list of honours the envy of most of the top players in world football.
A speedy and tricky winger, Pedro started his career in La Liga with Barcelona where he was part of a team that swept all before them in Spain and Europe.
Not only did he win five La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns with the Catalan club, he also scored 58 goals in just over 200 appearances. It was after Pedro’s breakout debut season with Barcelona that he also helped the Spanish national team to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
Now 30, Pedro has continued to make an impact in the Premier League with the Blues, winning the title in his second season with the club and was part of the squad that lifted the FA Cup last campaign.
Maurizio Sarri
While much of the focus will be on Chelsea’s stars on the pitch, the man in the dugout will also be worth watching in what will be his first game in charge of the club.
Sarri was only appointed to take over from the sacked Antonio Conte last week after an impressive stint at Serie A side Napoli, who finished second behind Juventus in 2017/18.
Regarded as a manager who likes to play an open, attacking and attractive style of play, it will be interesting to see how his Chelsea side approaches the clash with Perth.
A former banker before devoting his time to coaching almost two decades ago, Sarri will be hoping to deposit the first of many wins for the season against the Glory.
