Vitória SC vs Chaves - Friendlies Clubs

The history between Vitória SC and Chaves lends this Friendlies Clubs fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on August 1, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. He is expected to miss the Community Shield game against Arsenal and the opening Premier League fixture of the season as a result.

There is little to choose between Vitória SC and Chaves on paper, and the Friendlies Clubs encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. If he finds a way of those three players gelling and playing together - making one of them run in beyond - then Chelsea will have a very good season.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Vitória SC will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Chaves must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. The Germany club were said to be looking for an out-and-out striker to allow Harry Kane to play a deeper role, and made an approach for Sesko in 2024.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. United have looked at their best when he has started as the striker since Carrick took over.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the Friendlies Clubs table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. The team currently most likely to win the 2026 WNBA Finals according to Opta.