The Club World Cup knockout stage is upon us, featuring a significant matchup as Benfica and Chelsea face off. This encounter underscores the increasing difficulty of the tournament as it progresses. Both teams are prominent clubs in their respective domestic leagues, even if they didn`t secure titles last season. A strong showing in the Club World Cup could be crucial for building momentum for the upcoming season. Chelsea has notably been focused on integrating Liam Delap into the squad during this competition, a strategy that seems to be yielding positive results.
Delap opened his scoring account for the club in their recent win against Esperance. He is expected to start again in the Round of 16 match due to Nicolas Jackson`s suspension. Benfica achieved an impressive result by defeating Bayern Munich to top their group. However, reaching this stage means there are no easy fixtures left. Angel Di Maria has been a key figure in their success so far, and they will likely need more impactful performances from him to continue their tournament run.
Last Encounter
It has been a considerable time since Benfica and Chelsea last met on the pitch. Their most recent competitive fixture was in the Europa League back in 2013. Chelsea emerged victorious in that match, largely thanks to two assists from Juan Mata and a decisive stoppage-time winner from Branislav Ivanovic. It`s a stark reminder of how much time has passed, given that current Coventry City manager Frank Lampard was playing in midfield for Chelsea at the time. None of the players who started that 2013 match are expected to feature in this upcoming game, highlighting the evolution of both squads, but there is a historical thread connecting these two clubs.
Expected Lineups
Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin, Sanyek Dahl, Nicolas Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Leandro Barreiro, Renato Sanches, Fredrik Aursnes, Kerem Akturkoglu, Gianluca Prestianni, Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis
Chelsea: Filip Jorgensen, Malo Gusto, Benoiit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap
Player to Watch
Liam Delap, Chelsea: Having quickly made his mark in the tournament with both a goal and an assist, this match against Benfica represents Delap`s most significant challenge yet. He appears to have adjusted well since joining Chelsea from Ipswich Town, benefiting from familiarity with Enzo Maresca`s coaching style. However, performances in games like this one will be a true indicator of his readiness for top-tier competition, including potential Champions League play. Wearing the number nine shirt at Stamford Bridge comes with high expectations. Starting the season having already contributed to potential silverware could provide a substantial boost to the young forward`s confidence. Even if Chelsea doesn`t lift the Club World Cup trophy, a deep run in the tournament will be highly beneficial.
Key Storyline
Is Chelsea Prepared for the Champions League? The upcoming season is a crucial one for Chelsea as they return to the Champions League under Maresca. The squad will need to be managed carefully, as European competition requires a different approach compared to the Premier League rotation possibilities. This tournament serves as a test of Maresca`s ability to manage rotation and tactics, proving his suitability for the long term at Chelsea. Matches such as this one against Benfica offer valuable insights into the team`s preparation for the demanding season ahead, even though the club`s transfer business may not yet be complete. Winning matches like this is therefore critically important.
Match Prediction
Expect Chelsea to control possession sufficiently to keep Benfica at bay. Liam Delap may well find the net once more. Given the nature of both teams and the stakes, it is likely to be a match with few goals, but the Blues will be content as long as they secure the victory. Predicted Score: Benfica 0, Chelsea 1.
