Palmeiras vs Chelsea form
Brazilian football is having a very successful FIFA Club World Cup. All four participating teams have made it through the group stage and half of them have made it to the quarter-finals. The expectations from the samba fans are high on Palmeiras and Fluminense.
But the scenario that created the Brazilian civil war, completely absent or with one name remaining in the last 4 strongest teams will only be clear after the battles in Orlando and Philadelphia. For their part, Palmeiras has shown that they are very ready.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, coach Abel Ferreira praised Chelsea but said the team would focus on winning. Like many other Brazilian teams, Palmeiras chose to launch from a solid defense.
After 4 matches, Palmeiras has only conceded 2 goals (both against Inter Miami) and kept 3 clean sheets. Facing a highly rated opponent like Chelsea, Weverton and his teammates will have more reason to enter the match with a deep squad and wait for the opportunity.
Three years ago, at the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup final, Palmeiras had quite a bit of success with this approach. The Brazilian side held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in regulation time and only fell to Kai Havertz's successful penalty kick with just three minutes left in extra time.
After all these years, both sides have made certain changes. But one thing has not changed, Chelsea is still ranked higher. It is likely that The Blues will be the team with the upper hand in terms of ball control and shooting statistics.
Chelsea had to rely on extra-time goals to overcome Benfica in the round of 16.
But to penetrate the solid defensive wall in front of Weverton's goal, Enzo Maresca's students need to be alert and make the most of the opportunities created. Otherwise, they could have to pay a heavy price.
The lesson from the 1-3 defeat to another Samba representative, Flamengo, in the group stage is still fresh. So moving forward to the knockout stage, the Premier League representative will probably not allow themselves to let their guard down.
Compared to the remaining bracket full of big names from Europe, Chelsea fell into the easier bracket. But whether The Blues can win the final alone or not promises to be not easy.
The unexpected defeats of Inter Milan or Man City against opponents from Asia or South America are a reminder of caution for Maresca and his team.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea squad information
Palmeiras: Gustavo Gomez and Joaquin Piquerez are absent due to suspension. Marcos Rocha and Raphael Veiga are also uncertain to recover from injuries.
Chelsea: Nicolas Jackson is suspended but £60m new signing Joao Pedro is available to fill in if needed. Wesley Fofana is still injured.
Expected lineup Palmeiras vs Chelsea
Palmeiras: Weverton; Mayke, Giay, Bruno Fuchs, Vanderlan; Rios, Martinez, Mauricio; Allan, Vitor Roque, Estevao
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Colwill, Badiashile, Cucurella; Enzo, Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Delap, Palmer
Prediction: 1-2
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/nhan-dinh-tran-dau-palmeiras-vs-chelsea-8h00-ngay-57-go-mon-no-tu-cu-da-cua-havertz-148974.html
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