Chelsea face Palmeiras in cross-continental battle

Champions of Europe Chelsea will be looking to make their fifth consecutive final in less than 12 months one to remember, as they face off against Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi this Saturday.

 

The Brazilian side got the better of Egyptian team Al-Ahly in a 2-0 win whilst Chelsea comfortably swept aside Al-Hilal in their 1-0 victory.

Match Preview

Chelsea got the opportunity to play in two finals this year due to their excellent champions league run last season which ended with a 1-0 win over Premier League rivals Man City, credit to Kai Havertz who netted the only goal in a 1-0 win.

Although the Blues started off their campaign winning the UEFA Super Cup on penalties against Villarreal, Thomas Tuchel’s side may be feeling they have underperformed slightly up to this point in the season which may be partly down to unfortunate injuries. They are 11 points off league leaders City.

Off the back of a slightly unconvincing 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle, the London side then travelled to Abu Dhabi to face off against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, Romelu Lukaku’s goal the difference between the two sides.

Chelsea will be looking to secure their first-ever Club World Cup after failing to do so last time out in 2012 against Brazilian side Corinthians.

Palmeiras, who were unable to get past the semi-final stage in last years competition, have gone one further and made it to the final this year.

Despite last year’s disappointment they still became the only Brazilian side to retain the Copa Libertadores since 2001, thanks to Deyverson’s extra-time winner.

The 10-time Brazilian champions will be looking to upset the favourites Chelsea Saturday afternoon 10 years to the day the last time their nation triumphed on this stage.

Team News

Chelsea will again remain without full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell, despite positive signs with both players travelling with the squad to Abu Dhabi.

Despite the return of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from AFCON, he’ll do well to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga who impressed in the semi-final.

Thomas Tuchel, who is unable to be on the touchline due to having Covid-19 will likely field an unchanged side as will their opponents Palmeiras after both teams impressed in their previous fixtures.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Kepa; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Havertz, Lukaku, Ziyech.

Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Weverton, Rocha, Gomez, Luan, Piquerez, Danilo, Rafael; Dudu, Veiga, Scarpa, Rony.

Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras

Although it was Chelsea who were the last European side to lose in the Club World Cup final I see nothing more than a Chelsea win to cap off an incredible year for boss Thomas Tuchel who is remarkably only coming up to his first year in charge on the 26^th of January.

OSCAR CAYO-EVANS

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