Club World Cup Final: Chelsea vs Palmeiras Team News & Prediction
Club World Cup final: Chelsea vs Palmeiras, Team News & Prediction
Chelsea will look to complete their trophy cabinet when they clash with Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final of the Club World Cup on Saturday.
The Blues, who booked their place in the final with a 1-0 win over Al Hilal earlier in the week, have enjoyed plenty of success under Roman Abramovich but this is the only trophy that the Russian owner has yet to get his hands on.
They fell to another Brazilian side, Corinthians, at this stage in 2012, and now Chelsea will have to go through Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras if they want to complete the set.
Here’s all you need to know about this one.
Club World Cup Final: Chelsea vs Palmeiras Team News & Prediction
How to watch Chelsea vs Palmeiras on TV/live stream
When is kick-off? Saturday 12 February, 16:30 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
TV channel/live stream? Channel 4/All 4 (UK), Fox Deportes/fubo TV (US)
Highlights? FIFA YouTube channel
Referee? Christopher Beath (AUS)
VAR? Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Club World Cup Final: Chelsea vs Palmeiras Team News & Prediction
Chelsea team news
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has joined up with the squad after his Africa Cup of Nations triumph with Senegal and is now eligible to feature, although whether he will replace the impressive Kepa Arrizabalaga is unclear.
Mason Mount was fit enough to feature off the bench in the semi-final victory over Al Hilal and should expect to see more than 18 minutes this time around, although he may not yet be ready to start.
There’s also the small matter of manager Thomas Tuchel’s presence. The German missed the semi-final with Covid-19 but joined up with the squad on Friday, and he is expected to be in the dugout for the game.
Palmeiras team news
Manager Abel Ferreira has very few issues to contend with. Young centre-back Henri remains sidelined following a nasty leg break but that’s about it.
Chelsea fans should keep an eye out for right-back/midfield hybrid Gabriel Menino, who has heavily linked with the Blues in the summer of 2021.
Chelsea vs Palmeiras score prediction
These two sides have enjoyed remarkably similar recent form. Both champions of their respective continents, neither actually find it particularly easy to score goals and base a lot of their success on a resolute defence.
Both teams will defend well and limit chances, while also likely creating very little in the attacking third. If that doesn’t get you hyped up for this match, then nothing will.
Chelsea are the stronger team, and the favourites to win this, but don’t expect too much excitement.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Palmeiras
