It`s a rematch of the 2022 Club World Cup final as Chelsea and Palmeiras prepare to face off in Philadelphia on the Fourth of July. The knockout stages of this tournament have proven quite unpredictable, with Al Hilal and Fluminense overcoming UEFA opposition to reach this point. Chelsea will be keen to avoid becoming the latest European side to crash out.
New signing Joao Pedro will join the squad for this match after transferring from Brighton, although Friday might be too soon for him to make a significant impact.
Forward Nicolas Jackson is also set to return from his red card suspension, presenting manager Enzo Maresca with a decision regarding who will lead the attacking line. Chelsea will also face Estevao, the promising young player who is scheduled to join the Blues once this tournament concludes. However, in what could be his final game for Palmeiras, he still has a crucial job to do for his current club.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira commented on the situation with Estevao:
“`We, him and the club – everyone knew this could happen during the negotiations. Everyone knew he could play. I don`t have to say anything. He knows what he needs to do [Friday]. He has to do his job. I hope he gives his best for the owners of Chelsea and they look at him and his potential and all the quality he has,` said Ferreira.”
“`It will be an opportunity for him to show how good he is. We will expect his best, the maximum in attack and defense and maybe he will score a goal to give a goodbye to our fans. We helped him to grow as a man and a professional. It could be a moment to give him a goodbye with one amazing game, maybe with one goal.`”
How to watch Palmeiras vs. Chelsea, odds
- Date: Friday, July 4 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, PA
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN (for free)
- Odds: Palmeiras +300; Draw +220; Chelsea +100
Last meeting
This upcoming game will be just the second time Chelsea and Palmeiras have met, with their only previous encounter being the Club World Cup final. That match was level after 90 minutes, with Romelu Lukaku`s opener cancelled out by Raphael Veiga`s penalty. Kai Havertz ultimately secured the trophy for the Blues with a penalty in extra time. Given how the Brazilian side has performed in this tournament so far, this encounter could be equally competitive and close.
Predicted lineups
Palmeiras: Weverton, Joaquin Piquerez, Bruno Fuchs, Micael, Agustin Gray, Emiliano Martinez, Richard Rios, Allan, Muricio, Estevao, Vitor Roque
Chelsea: Rober Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Tosin, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Noni Madueke, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson
Player to watch
Cole Palmer, Chelsea: Palmer`s recent dip in form has continued into this tournament, where he has primarily been utilized on the wings. With Champions League football on the horizon next season, Chelsea`s performance will rely heavily on his contributions. It would be beneficial for Palmer to find his rhythm during the Club World Cup matches before the break. This provides an opportunity to ease pressure ahead of the new campaign, but he will need to contribute more significantly than just one assist.
Storyline to watch
How will support play out? Support for the South American teams has been notable throughout the tournament, and Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira is actively encouraging American fans to back his side against the English opponents. Palmeiras supporters are already in Philadelphia following their previous win, but Ferreira extended an invitation to everyone.
He said: “`It can be a good opportunity for the local people to join with us against the English. Tomorrow will be Independence Day… join us, come with us. We need your support!`”
Prediction
Assuming conditions don`t negatively impact their play, Chelsea are expected to achieve their goals in this match and take another step towards reaching the Club World Cup final with a relatively drama-free victory.
Pick: Palmeiras 1, Chelsea 2
