Chelsea take on Brazilian side Palmeiras looking to advance and represent the Premier League in the Club World Cup semifinals.
A defeat in the group stage to Flamengo plus two comfortable victories against LAFC and ES Tunis saw Chelsea finish second in the group but land on the more favorable side of the knockout stage bracket. After defeating Benfica in the last 16, no European foes stand in Chelsea’s path to the final.
However, Palmeiras in the quarterfinals aren’t an opponent the Blues can take lightly, especially with the defeat to fellow Brazilian outfit Flamengo still fresh in the memory. El Verdão has been very solid all tournament and will be a worthy rival.
Still, Chelsea are the favorites and anything but qualifying to the semifinals would be considered a massive failure.
Enzo Maresca must work around the suspension of Moisés Caicedo, arguably his most important player. Benoît Badiashille will also miss the match after picking up an injury. However, Nicolas Jackson is back available and needs to have a strong performance with Liam Delap threatening his place on the team.
João Pedro completed his signing and was registered in time, meaning he could make his Chelsea debut, though he’s likely to start on the bench.
Here’s how the Blues could line up vs. Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field.
