Chelsea will be looking to build on their winning start to the 2025 Club World Cup when they take on Flamengo on Friday at 7pm (UK time).
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Flamengo
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson.
For many, this will be the battle to see who tops Group D. Flamengo and Chelsea both won their opening game 2-0, with the Brazilian side currently top on fair play points. But the table is primarily ranked on head-to-head, so victory for either side would all-but seal a spot in the last 16.
Chelsea opened their 2025 Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC, thanks to goals from Neto and Enzo Fernandez. It wasn’t a convincing win though and Chelsea know they face tougher opposition here.
Chelsea team news vs Flamengo
Chelsea came through their 2-0 win over LAFC unscathed, but there may be a change to the midfield. Enzo Fernandez came off the bench at half-time, replacing Romeo Lavia, and scored Chelsea’s second.
Given the stature of the opposition, we may see Chelsea’s first-choice double pivot of Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
There may also be a switch in defence, with Trevoh Chalobah a potential to come in for Tosin Adarabioyo. Adarabioyo started alongside Levi Colwill at the heart of Chelsea’s defence but was booked so is already on a tight rope.
However, Enzo Maresca may also opt to take the risk on Adarabioyo, knowing a yellow card against Flamengo would see the Englishman miss the final group match vs Esperance de Tunis — rather than a knockout stage game.
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Reece James was taken off at half-time against LAFC as Maresca continues to manage his minutes. But he’s likely to start once again, ahead of Malo Gusto.
Liam Delap came off the bench against LAFC to provide an assist, replacing Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese forward may still get the nod though, as Delap continues to get used to his new team.
A bright debut for Delap
Liam Delap will be looking to have another impactful appearance against Flamengo, whether that’s off the bench or from the start.
The Englishman didn’t score against LAFC, and didn’t manage a single shot. But he was a part of Chelsea’s fluid attack, with two chances created, one of which was a big chance. And, most importantly, he provided one assist with a lovely cross to Fernandez.
Delap was also pretty busy off the ball. The Englishman won possession twice in his 26 minutes on the pitch, once in the attacking third and once in the middle third. He also committed two fouls, putting himself about with his strength — trying to find the line with a new referee.
And it hasn’t gone unnoticed among his Chelsea teammates.
“He’s settled in very well. He’s a good young lad and we know how good he is, with his aggressive pressing,” centre-back Adarabioyo told Chelsea’s official website.
“He’s an aggressive striker, making sure he’s always there, setting the intensity, and I hope he scores plenty of goals for us.”