A rematch of the 2022 Club World Cup final is set for Philadelphia on the Fourth of July as Chelsea takes on Palmeiras. This tournament`s knockout rounds have proven unpredictable, with teams like Al Hilal and Fluminense overcoming European opponents. Chelsea will be aiming to avoid a similar upset in their fixture. New signing Joao Pedro, recently joining from Brighton, is with the squad but might not be ready to feature prominently in this match.
Forward Nicolas Jackson is available again following his red card suspension, giving manager Enzo Maresca options for the attacking lineup. Chelsea will also be up against Estêvão, a player set to join the Blues after the tournament concludes. For Estêvão, this match could be his last for Palmeiras, and he still has a vital role to play for his current club.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira commented on Estêvão playing against his future club:
“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. 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 match will be just the second encounter between Chelsea and Palmeiras, following their clash in the 2022 Club World Cup final. That game finished level after regular time, with Romelu Lukaku`s opener for Chelsea being cancelled out by Raphael Veiga. Kai Havertz secured the win for the Blues in extra time. Given Palmeiras` performances in the current tournament, this fixture is expected to be similarly competitive.
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 has been experiencing a dip in form, and his performances in this tournament, often from a wider position, reflect this. As Chelsea prepares for Champions League football next season, their success will heavily depend on his impact. Getting Palmer back into form during the Club World Cup before the break is crucial. This competition offers him an opportunity to alleviate pressure ahead of the new campaign, but he needs to contribute more than just assists.
Storyline to Watch
Support Dynamics: South American teams have enjoyed strong support in the tournament. Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira is actively encouraging local American fans to back his side against Chelsea. Palmeiras supporters are already present in Philadelphia following their previous win. Ferreira made a direct appeal:
“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 that don`t hinder their pace, Chelsea is expected to achieve their objective and advance towards the Club World Cup final with a straightforward win.
Predicted Score: Palmeiras 1, Chelsea 2
