The upcoming Club World Cup match features Chelsea, qualified as the 2021 UEFA Champions League winners, against Los Angeles FC. Much has changed for Chelsea since their 2021 triumph under Thomas Tuchel, exemplified by Olivier Giroud, a member of that winning squad, now playing for LAFC. Enzo Maresca`s current Chelsea side is captained by Reece James.
LAFC`s entry into the tournament was less conventional, following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that allowed them to participate after Leon`s exclusion due to shared ownership. They secured their spot dramatically by winning a playoff against Club America with a 115th-minute goal from Denis Bouanga, becoming the third MLS team to reach this stage under coach Steve Cherundolo.
To advance from the group stage, LAFC must overcome Esperance de Tunis and a strong Flamengo side. Chelsea, on the other hand, are widely considered favorites to top their group.
Match Details:
Date: Monday, June 16 | Time: 5 p.m. ET | Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium — Atlanta, GA
Odds: Chelsea: -333; Draw +400; LAFC +850
Last Meeting
This will be the first competitive encounter between the two sides.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo; Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto; Nicolas Jackson
LAFC: Hugo Lloris; Sergi Palencia, Aaron Long, Maxime Chanot, Ryan Hollingshead; Igor Jesus, Tillman, Mark Delgado; Denis Bouanga, Oliver Giroud, Yaw Yeboah
Player to Watch
Olivier Giroud, LAFC: It has been a slow start to life in MLS for former Chelsea striker Giroud, with only five goals in 33 appearances for LAFC. However, being only 14 games into his season, he believes he has an opportunity to make an impact against former teammates who are arriving in America at the end of long, demanding campaigns. “These European, top European teams, they will maybe feel a bit tired after a long season, so it may be an advantage,” Giroud commented. “It`s always nice to stay positive. Some of them have played 60, 70, 75 games already, so I think that`s a good test for the MLS teams. We need to grab that chance to show Europe what we`re made of.”
Storyline to Watch
Can Delap Break the No. 9 Curse? Former Ipswich striker Liam Delap is thrust into the spotlight, having signed for Chelsea in time to join Maresca`s squad for the Club World Cup. Delap takes on the No. 9 shirt, a number notoriously worn by players who have struggled to find consistent scoring form for the Blues, including Gonzalo Higuain, Fernando Torres, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The pressure will be on Delap, a player sought after by several Premier League clubs this summer, to end the streak of goalscoring woes associated with this shirt.
Prediction
The rest period should benefit Chelsea, and this tournament`s structure may suit their controlled, possession-based style of play. Expect them to start their campaign convincingly. Pick: Chelsea 3, LAFC 0
