Palmeiras Seek Club World Cup Retribution Against Chelsea

Palmeiras vs Chelsea

Palmeiras still remember the pain of losing to Chelsea in a huge game before, and they will likely use that as motivation when they meet again this Friday at the Lincoln Financial Field in the 2025 Club World Cup quarter-finals.

Abel Ferreira’s men are fresh from a 1-0 win against Botafogo in the Round of 16 last time out. And with Fluminense also making it to the quarter-finals, where they’ll face Al-Hilal, the Brazilian sides have proven they’re no pushovers in this competition. Palmeiras and Fluminense could meet in the semi-finals if they take care of business.

On the other hand, Chelsea are the only Premier League team left following Manchester City’s 4-3 defeat against Al-Hilal in the previous round. Enzo Maresca’s side is coming off a spirited 4-1 comeback victory over 10-man Benfica last Saturday.

Learn more about these two teams in today’s SBOTOP preview.

 

Talking Points

Key absences for Palmeiras

Palmeiras survived against Botafogo last Saturday, but it came at a cost, as they will miss two of their best defenders against Chelsea. Skipper Gustavo Gomez was sent off in the 116th minute for accumulating two yellow cards, and Joaquin Piquerez is also suspended for taking another yellow card against Botafogo. Mayke and Vanderlan will likely take Gomez and Piquerez’s spots in the starting XI. Weverton and Estevao were also booked in the heated rivalry contest but are available against the Blues.

Speaking of Estevao, the 18-year-old winger will get his first taste of life at Chelsea this weekend before joining their ranks next season. He is expected to put on a show with Enzo Maresca watching, with Mauricio, Vitor Roque, and Allan joining him in the final third. Raphael Veiga took the day off against Botafogo, and he could come off the bench against Chelsea.

 

Neto is putting Chelsea on his back

Chelsea wouldn’t be in the quarter-finals if it weren’t for Pedro Neto, who has been one of the most impactful players in the Club World Cup. The Portuguese winger has scored in three straight games for the Blues for the first time in his career. Before this, he’d only scored three goals in his previous 30 appearances in all competitions.

Neto’s contributions have been vital since Cole Palmer’s form has slightly dipped, and Chelsea need him to score again, especially since Nicolas Jackson remains sidelined due to suspension. Head coach Enzo Maresca will likely start Neto and Palmer alongside Enzo Fernandez and Liam Delap in the final third, with Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as off-the-bench options.

Moises Caicedo has also impressed at this competition. The former Brighton youngster leads all Chelsea players in regaining possession from opponents (20), tackles made (12), and duels won (22). However, Caicedo will be missing for this game after he received his second yellow card against Benfica. Wesley Fofana is another notable absence, as the centre-back is injured.

 

History

Friday marks the second-ever meeting between Palmeiras and Chelsea. This is a rematch of the 2021 Club World Cup final, where the Blues won 2-1 against the Alviverde in extra time for their first and only Club World Cup crown. Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz scored for Chelsea, while Raphael Veiga scored once for Palmeiras.

Palmeiras will fancy their chances against Chelsea this time because Brazilian sides have defeated European teams at the 2025 Club World Cup more often (3) than they have lost against them (2) thus far. This includes Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat against Flamengo in the group stage two weeks ago. 

Besides their finals loss against Chelsea, Palmeiras’ previous highest finish was fourth during the 2020 edition, having lost to Al-Ahly in the third-place game via penalties.

 

Betting Tip

The Club World Cup 2025 odds predict a fairly tight contest between Palmeiras and Chelsea. Chelsea have a slight advantage at 2.11 odds, whereas Palmeiras aren’t far behind at 3.33, and a draw after 90 minutes is at 3.06 in the 1X2 market. Palmeiras are yet to lose at the tournament. However, it’s hard to envision them beating their Premier League counterparts, who have better collective firepower on paper.

Football fans in Philadelphia can expect their usual dose of Club World Cup 2025 highlights, making options such as Over 2.00 at 1.67, Over 2.25 at 1.96, Over 2.50 at 2.28, and Total Goal 2-3 at 1.97 viable. Moreover, a Correct Score of 2-1 in favour of the Blues – the result of their first encounter – can give you a handsome payout of 8.80.

   

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