Chelsea begins their quest for Club World Cup glory against LAFC in a highly anticipated Group D clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. As the Europa Conference League champions, the Blues enter the tournament with momentum, aiming to translate their late-season success onto the global stage.
Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea secured Champions League qualification and clinched the Europa Conference League title, showcasing resilience after a season that had its turbulent moments. Maresca faces a delicate balancing act, blending seasoned players with promising new signings while navigating a demanding tournament schedule. While Chelsea isn't favored to win the entire competition, sitting at around 11/1 odds, their fans eagerly await to see how they will compete against teams from around the world.
Maresca has made key squad decisions, integrating new faces like Liam Delap and Dario Essugo while entrusting Cole Palmer with the coveted No. 10 shirt. The squad also includes new goalkeeper Mike Penders and defender Mamadou Sarr. However, notable absentees include Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Djordje Petrovic, Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana. Robert Sanchez is expected to start in goal, supported by a strong defensive line, while Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez anchor the midfield. The attacking quartet of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson looks poised to lead the charge upfront.
LAFC, representing Major League Soccer, will aim to showcase their quality against the Premier League giants. Managed by Steve Cherundolo, LAFC boasts familiar faces, including former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and ex-Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud. Giroud, however, may start on the bench, with Nathan Ordaz, the club's homegrown striker, potentially leading the line. Denis Bouanga, with his impressive scoring record, poses a significant threat to Chelsea's defense. LAFC, in their preseason, faced opponents from MLS, the Canadian Premier League, and the USL Championship. LAFC concluded their first trip to Southern California with a 1-0 loss to Los Angeles FC in a closed-door scrimmage at BMO Stadium
Chelsea will need to be wary of complacency against LAFC, who will be playing on home soil and eager to make a statement. Following the match against LAFC, Chelsea faces Flamengo and ES Tunis in Group D.
With Chelsea's recent form, securing fourth place in the Premier League and winning the Conference League, they are the favorites heading into this match. Considering these factors, a Chelsea victory seems probable. Backing Chelsea to win to nil at 13/10 with William Hill offers good value, reflecting their defensive capabilities. Additionally, Liam Delap scoring anytime at 6/5 with Bet365 presents an enticing option, given his potential debut and goal-scoring instincts.
