Chelsea reached the semi-final of the Club World Cup by elevating their performance. Their next challenge in the quest for a spot in the final is a match against Brazilian team Fluminense at the MetLife Stadium.
The team led by Enzo Maresca has already encountered two Brazilian opponents on their Club World Cup journey. They suffered a 3-1 defeat against Flamengo in the Group D final standings, but managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the quarter-final.
The upcoming clash with Fluminense is expected to be fiercely contested. Fluminense finished second in Group F, behind Borussia Dortmund, and showcased impressive performances in knockout wins against Inter and Al Hilal, the conquerors of Manchester City.
Team news
Chelsea will make changes to their lineup following the quarter-final triumph over Palmeiras. Liam Delap and Levi Colwill are both suspended for the upcoming match.
In the absence of Delap, new signing Joao Pedro is likely to step in, while Tosin Adarabioyo is set to replace Colwill. Moises Caicedo is available after serving his suspension.
Captain Reece James sustained an injury during the warm-up before the quarter-final and, along with Romeo Lavia, will be unavailable. Jamie Gittens, a recent addition to the squad, is ineligible for selection.
Fluminense also has several players facing bans, with Juan Pablo Freytes and Martinelli sidelined. Isaque Silva, Otavio, and Riquelme Felipe are still recovering from injuries.
The stats
Fluminense is currently on an 11-game undefeated streak, having won three matches and drawn two in the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian team has kept five clean sheets in their last seven games, with only two matches featuring three or more goals.
Chelsea has only suffered two defeats in their last 14 matches, winning three of their five Club World Cup games in regular time.
In the last 10 fixtures, both teams scored in only four of Chelsea's matches.
Out of Chelsea's last 12 victories, six have been by a one-goal margin.
Prediction
Fluminense has showcased a solid defensive performance to reach the Club World Cup semi-final, achieving three clean sheets and conceding only three goals in their five matches.
Their ability to shut out teams like Borussia Dortmund and Inter indicates their capability to compete with the top European sides. Their aim will be to frustrate Chelsea, who had to rely on an 83rd-minute goal to secure a 2-1 win over Palmeiras in the quarter-final.
Chelsea's recent victories in the Premier League, with 1-0 wins against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, highlight their defensive strength under Maresca, having secured five clean sheets in their last 10 games.
With significant stakes involved in winning the competition, both teams will approach this match with caution. It is anticipated to be a tense affair with a focus on defensive solidity.
A single goal could prove to be decisive, and the match may not unfold as a high-scoring spectacle as some might anticipate.