Chelsea are one step away from winning their first-ever Club World Cup title as they would lock horns with Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium. The Blues scripted an edgy win over Al-Hilal in the semifinal but must improve their game on Saturday evening to gain a victory over the Brazilian hotshots.
The champions of Europe have earned a place in the Carabao Cup final but are categorically out of the Premier League race following a series of dismal outcomes. Having said that, they are enjoying a boisterous run in Cup competitions under Thomas Tuchel and the quality across the pitch make the Blues favourites to conquer the crown this weekend.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Chelsea Lineup To Face Palmeiras
Defence
Although Edouard Mendy has rejoined the camp following his AFCON glory, the German chief must take the call on whether to rely on Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks. The Spaniard has lost his place to the in-form Senegalese, but his heroics against Al-Hilal must be rewarded by handing him a start in this decisive outing.
Tuchel’s ‘back three’ is quite stable and has earned him results in close games. Thiago Silva is still going strong at 37 and should retain his place in the heart of the defensive third. Andreas Christensen is expected to keep his place down the right, whereas the physicality of Antonio Rudiger as a left centre-half would frustrate the Palmeiras defenders.
Midfield
Chelsea have ample quality in the centre of the pitch and the gaffer is likely to undergo another selection dilemma as he can only pick any two of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovačić and Jorginho down the middle. Kovacic’s driving runs and Kante’s midfield mastery must be prioritized, however, the injury absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell would see Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso occupying the wingback roles. Jorginho should be involved at some stage in case he misses out on a starting role on Saturday evening.
The Blues have Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ross Barkley, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic in their ranks who are capable of creating chances and finding the net as attacking midfielders. Tuchel has also deployed them as withdrawal forwards and the Mount-Havertz duo might get the nod for their ability to make a difference in tricky encounters.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku, though far from his best, fired in the conclusive goal in the semifinal. His physique and poaching traits would cause a menace in Palmeiras defence when the two champions would clash heads in the CWC final.
