A total of 32 teams started the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but only eight are left standing now. Chelsea will face Brazilian team Palmeiras, a rematch of the 2021 final, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia this Saturday morning.
Chelsea may be cautious about playing against Brazilian teams after losing 3-1 to Flamengo in the group stage. However, Palmeiras hasn't been in top form in the tournament yet, narrowly making it to the quarterfinals by winning against Botafogo.
Team news
Chelsea's team has been strengthened by the addition of new signing Joao Pedro from Brighton, who is eligible to play as he hasn't featured for any other team in the tournament before.
Forward Nicolas Jackson is back after serving a two-match suspension, but midfielder Moises Caicedo is now suspended, and Wesley Fofano is still out due to injury.
Palmeiras will have star winger Estevao Willian available against Chelsea, despite his upcoming move to the Blues after the tournament. However, Gustavo Gomez and Joaquin Piquerez are suspended, and Murilo is injured.
The stats
Palmeiras has only scored in one of their last eight matches, with three of their four Club World Cup games ending in draws after regular time.
Chelsea has won five of their last nine games while keeping clean sheets.
In Palmeiras' last 15 matches, only two have had over 3.5 goals.
Pedro Neto is Chelsea's leading scorer in the tournament with three goals.
Prediction
Amidst a tumultuous season, Chelsea are now the sole representatives of the Premier League in the Club World Cup following Manchester City's elimination earlier this week.
Chelsea's performances in the tournament have been inconsistent. Their loss to Flamengo stands out, as Palmeiras is close in points to the Brazilian team in the Serie A standings.
On the other hand, Palmeiras has had mediocre results so far, drawing against Porto in their only encounter with a European team. Chelsea, with their added firepower from Joao Pedro, should have enough to secure a spot in the semi-finals against a Palmeiras side that has struggled to score goals.