Palmeiras take on Chelsea FC in the quarter-finals stage of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, on 5th July, 02:00 GMT.
According to our football stats, the stage is set for a blockbuster rematch of the 2021 Intercontinental Cup final clash in the Club World Cup last eight as Palmeiras face Chelsea in the 2025 quarter-finals. Both teams battled through extra-time wins in the round of 16—Palmeiras grinding out a 1-0 victory over Botafogo, and Chelsea overpowering Benfica 4-1. Here’s your bite-sized preview!
Among the 32 players who took to the field in that final, which Chelsea triumphed in with a score of 2-1, Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton is anticipated to be the sole survivor from the starting XI for the rematch on Friday in Philadelphia.
From a financial point of view, Chelsea’s victory against Benfica in the round of 16, valued at approximately £9.6m, brings their total prize money to over £40m. Additionally, there is another £15.3m on the line if they can overcome the Brazilian outfit in this quarter-final clash.
Recent Form
Palmeiras: Unbeaten in the group stage (W1, D2), they’ve been rock-solid defensively, conceding just two goals in four games. Their extra-time win over Botafogo showed grit, but they struggled to create chances.
Chelsea: Explosive in attack, with wins over LAFC (2-0), ES Tunis (3-0), and Benfica (4-1). A 3-1 loss to Flamengo exposed some cracks, but their depth shone in the knockouts.
Team News
Palmeiras: Major defensive woes with captain Gustavo Gómez suspended, Joaquín Piquerez banned, and Murilo likely injured. Highly rated starlet Estêvão Willian and Vitor Roque will lead the attack.
Chelsea: Seven Chelsea players are at risk of suspension ahead of a potential semi-final game. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson is finally available after serving a ban, which increased from one match to two, resulting in his absence for a crucial group match against ES Tunis and the last 16 clash with Benfica. Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto are expected to be the Blues’ creative spark, with Liam Delap up top.
Predicted Line-ups
Palmeiras (4-3-3): Weverton; Giay, Bruno Fuchs, Micael, Vanderlan; Martínez, Ríos, Veiga; Torres, Roque, Estêvão.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Delap.
Match Prediction
Expect a cagey, low-scoring battle. Palmeiras’ makeshift defence faces a tough test against Chelsea’s attacking flair. The Blues’ depth should edge them through, but Palmeiras’ resilience could keep it tight.
Score: Palmeiras 0-1 Chelsea
Key Players: Estêvão Willian (Palmeiras) could dazzle; Cole Palmer (Chelsea) needs to deliver.
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