Chelsea likely didn`t expect their Club World Cup progression to be on the line in the final group match of what initially seemed like a straightforward stage. Yet, here they are. Enzo Maresca`s squad remains strong favorites to advance to the last 16, but doing so requires them to avoid a loss against Esperance de Tunis.
This critical situation follows a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday night. Nicolas Jackson`s red card came as the Brazilians mounted an impressive comeback, ultimately earning a deserved victory that sent them to the top of Group D. Jackson`s absence places added pressure on Liam Delap, the former Ipswich Town forward who struggled in his first full start for his new team. With Cole Palmer also experiencing inconsistent form, Chelsea might find it challenging to score enough goals to comfortably overcome their Tunisian opponents.
By defeating Los Angeles FC in Orlando, ES Tunis created an opportunity for what would be a remarkable qualification for the last 16. The 34-time Tunisian champions have proven defensively solid, holding Flamengo to just one goal until the 70th minute in their 2-0 loss. If they can frustrate Chelsea early on, they might just have a chance at an upset.
Viewing Information
- Date: Tuesday, June 24
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN
- Odds: ES Tunis +850; Draw +400; Chelsea -333
Last Meeting
This match will be the first competitive encounter between the two sides.
Predicted Lineups
ES Tunis: Bechir Ben Said; Mohamed Ben Ali, Yassine Merria, Mohamed Tugai, Amine Ben Hamida; Elias Mokwana, Onuche Ogbelu, Khalil Guenichi, Abdramane Konate; Youcef Belaili, Rodrigo Rodrigues
Chelsea: Robert Sanchez; Malo Guston, Tosin Adarbioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo; Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Liam Delap
Player to Watch
Pedro Neto, Chelsea: While many other Chelsea forwards have struggled in this Club World Cup campaign, Neto has consistently delivered. Scoring in both matches is impressive, but he has also excelled creatively, averaging 0.26 expected assists alongside his 0.46 expected goals.
Storyline to Watch
The Heat Factor: Philadelphia is under a Heat Health Emergency, with temperatures potentially exceeding 100 degrees for the first time since 2012. Even by the 9 p.m. kickoff, forecasts predict temperatures remaining in the 80s with high humidity – conditions likely to pose a significant challenge, especially for Chelsea. Manager Enzo Maresca has already made adjustments by limiting minutes for players prone to muscle issues, such as Reece James, and may need to continue this strategy.
Prediction
Although the conditions are unfavorable, Chelsea`s superior quality should enable them to secure a win without overexerting themselves in the heat.
Prediction: ES Tunis 0, Chelsea 2
