The Club World Cup has reached the round of 16, featuring a compelling match between Benfica and Chelsea, signaling the tournament`s increasing intensity. Both clubs are expected contenders for their respective domestic league titles, and although they fell short last season, strong performances in the CWC can provide significant momentum for the upcoming campaign. Chelsea has effectively integrated Liam Delap into the squad during this tournament, a strategy that appears to be paying off.
Having scored his first senior goal for Chelsea in their victory over Esperance, Delap is expected to start again as Nicolas Jackson is suspended for this round of 16 encounter. Benfica achieved a notable success by upsetting Bayern Munich to secure the top spot in their group. However, reaching this stage means there will be no easy matches ahead. Angel Di Maria has been a vital player for Benfica`s achievements so far, and his continued influence will be crucial for them to advance further in the competition.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, June 28
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium — Charlotte, North Carolina
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN (for free)
- Odds: Benfica +270; Draw +230; Chelsea +105
Last Meeting
It has been a considerable time since Benfica and Chelsea last faced each other. Their most recent encounter was in the 2013 Europa League final. Chelsea won that match with key contributions from two Juan Mata assists and a late winner from Branislav Ivanovic in stoppage time. That game is a real look back into the past, as former Chelsea midfielder and current Coventry City manager Frank Lampard was playing for Chelsea then. None of the players who started that final will be involved in this upcoming match, but the two clubs do share some historical ties.
Predicted Lineups
Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin, Sanyek Dahl, Nicolas Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Leandro Barreiro, Renato Sanches, Fredrik Aursnes, Kerem Akturkoglu, Gianluca Prestianni, Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis
Chelsea: Filip Jorgensen, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap
Player to Watch
Liam Delap, Chelsea: After making an immediate impact in this tournament with a goal and an assist, this match presents Delap`s most significant challenge yet. He has settled well since joining from Ipswich Town, and his familiarity with manager Enzo Maresca has been beneficial. However, games like this against Benfica will help determine if he is truly ready for Champions League football. Wearing the number nine shirt at Stamford Bridge comes with high expectations, but securing silverware early in the season could significantly boost the young forward`s confidence. Even if Chelsea doesn`t win the Club World Cup, a deep run will be valuable.
Storyline to Watch
Are Chelsea ready for the Champions League? The upcoming season is crucial for Chelsea as they return to Champions League competition under Enzo Maresca. The squad will need to be managed carefully, as the manager cannot rotate players as freely in European matches as in the Premier League. This tournament serves as an early test of rotation and whether Maresca is the right long-term manager for Chelsea. Matches like this against Benfica are previews for the season, and winning is important even if Chelsea`s transfer business is not yet complete.
Prediction
Chelsea is likely to control possession sufficiently to hold off Benfica`s attack, with Liam Delap expected to find the net again. The match is predicted to be a low-scoring affair, but Chelsea will be content with the outcome as long as they emerge victorious.
Predicted Score: Benfica 0, Chelsea 1
Dominic Ashworth