Chelsea FC and AC Milan meet in a high-profile pre-season friendly in Jakarta on Saturday, with Chelsea backed to score first despite concerns over their recent form. The odds for the Blues to open the scoring are priced at 1.57, while AC Milan are fancied to win the match at 3.3.
The game at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is scheduled to begin at 12:00 GMT on 8 August 2026, as both European clubs continue preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.
Chelsea are seeking a response after a disappointing previous season that fell well short of the standards and expectations associated with the club. However, Xabi Alonso’s side have made an uncertain start to their pre-season programme.
They began with a victory over modest Australian opposition, although they conceded four goals in that match. Chelsea then suffered successive defeats, losing 2-1 to Tottenham last Saturday before a 1-0 defeat by Juventus on Wednesday.
Those results have prompted early questions from supporters and observers, although it remains too soon to draw firm conclusions about the new-look team. Mykhailo Mudryk returned against Juventus after almost two years away through suspension, and the Ukraine international and his team-mates will be expected to show greater authority against another major European opponent.
Chelsea’s defensive record remains a particular concern. The London club have conceded at least once in each of their past eight matches and have recently lost important players including Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah.
Their midfield has also been weakened by the absence of World Cup finalist Enzo Fernandez, who is still on holiday. There is, though, considerable attacking potential in the squad, with Morgan Rogers, Danny Welbeck and Geovany Quenda among the arrivals brought in to support Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens. Emmanuel Emegha is another attacking addition but remains injured.
Chelsea’s ability to find the net has helped them stay competitive. In their past seven matches that have not ended in draws, they have either won or lost by a single goal.
AC Milan have also produced an inconclusive start to their preparations. They have avoided defeat in both of their matches so far, drawing 2-2 with Celtic Glasgow on 25 July and 1-1 with Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on Wednesday.
The draw against Inter was secured late in the game when Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty. Although the performance did not provide much encouragement, the result was considered important for confidence.
New manager Ruben Amorim sought to reassure supporters in his post-match comments, saying that his side had shown some interesting qualities and was progressing well both tactically and physically.
The shape of his strongest team is becoming clearer. Goncalo Ramos, the club’s headline attacking signing, made his debut against Inter, while Rafael Leao remains at AC Milan despite persistent reports linking him with a move away. Leao played about 30 minutes in the derby.
The Rossoneri have nevertheless followed a consistent pattern during pre-season: they have conceded the opening goal and have only found the net after half-time in both matches.
Ramos is AC Milan’s headline signing of the transfer window, having joined from Paris Saint-Germain for more than 70m euros. The Portugal international made an encouraging first appearance against Inter, playing just under 30 minutes after replacing the highly rated young striker Francesco Camarda.
He also showed promising understanding with international team-mate Leao, although the pair have had limited time together for Portugal. Ramos is expected to become AC Milan’s first-choice centre-forward and could make his first start against Chelsea, offering a clearer indication of how quickly he is adapting to life in Lombardy.
The two clubs met in the same pre-season setting almost exactly a year ago, on 10 August 2025, when Chelsea won comfortably 4-1.
Their most recent competitive meetings came in the Champions League group stage in October 2022. Chelsea completed a double over the Italian side, winning 3-0 at Stamford Bridge before a 2-0 victory at San Siro.
Chelsea have won five of the clubs’ past six meetings. AC Milan’s only victory in that sequence came in a friendly in July 2012, 14 years ago.
The prediction supplied for Saturday’s match is that AC Milan will win, with both teams expected to score at odds of 1.35. A 2-1 victory for the Italian side is priced at 8.5, while Chelsea are considered likely to score first at 1.57.
Chelsea FC – AC Milan takes place at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 12:00 GMT on Saturday, 8 August 2026.
Odds are subject to change.
