Club World Cup 2025: Chelsea vs LAFC Preview, Prediction, Players to Watch in FIFA CWC Group D Fixture
The FIFA Club World Cup steaming train continues as debutants Los Angeles FC clash with European giants Chelsea FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Maiden clash in Group D of the ongoing Club World Cup places Chelsea, winners of the UEFA Conference league and LAFC, winners of the US Open Cup, a victorious start today not only earns the team 2 million dollars but also gives an edge in qualifying for the knockout stage ahead of Esperance and Tunisia.
Los Angeles FC, on paper, are the less fancied team in this clash with Chelsea as they initially did not qualify for the tournament and only knew of a potential participation in the last days of May. LAFC’s appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup has come via the exclusion of 2023 CONCACAF Champions, Leon, who failed to convince FIFA otherwise on its multi-ownership status. A one-off playoff was organised, and LAFC defeated Club America 2-1 after extra time and qualified for the global showpiece.
Going strong in the Western Conference of the MLS, LAFC are on a 10-game unbeaten run, last tasting defeat in a 1-0 loss to Houston Dynamos on the 6th of April. According to LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington, they have embraced the underdog tag and hope opponents approach them with the respect his team will earn based on their commitment on the pitch.
Chelsea is competing in its third Club World Cup and 1st in this expanded format. They are favourites in this tie and according to Opta Super Computer, favourites for the competition with an 8.4 per cent chance. Qualifying for the Club World Cup tournament via Champions League win in 2021 is not enough, as Chelsea followed up with a Conference League win, brutally dispatching Real Betis 4-1 in the final, while also qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
Losing just once in 13 matches ensures the confidence levels in the Chelsea players are high, and despite going on a much-needed break in the last three 3 weeks, manager Enzo Maresca believes the team has arrived with a good feeling and is fully focused on the competition.
Chelsea vs LAFC Club World Cup Injury Updtaes and Possible Lineup
Chelsea’s new signings Dario Essugo, Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr are part of the 28-man squad, while Andre Santos rejoins the team after an impressive loan stint at Strasbourg. Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling and Goalkeeper, Petrovic are the notable absentees from the team while Wesley Fofana continues his recovery from injury.
As Maresca highlighted ahead of the clash, Chelsea has only 3 wingers following the absence of Mykailo Mudryk; apart from that, it is expected to be a full-strength Chelsea squad for this tie. LAFC On-loan Celtic midfielder Odin Holm is also among the Black and Gold players raring to go despite the Norwegian struggling with a leg injury. Lynchpin has been struggling with a leg injury of late.
Chelsea’s possible starting lineup:
Robert Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Essugo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Delap
Los Angeles FC’s possible starting lineup:
Lloris; Palencia, Segura, Marlon, Hollingshead; Tillman, Jesus, Delgado; Yeboah, Giroud, Bouanga
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