Match Preview: Chelsea kick off the Club World Cup with fixture against host opposition

Group D of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with an intriguing clash between European giants Chelsea and MLS powerhouse Los Angeles FC.

This marks the opening group stage fixture in what promises to be a landmark tournament, and with both sides boasting wildly different histories, there’s no shortage of storylines.

Chelsea – European Pedigree Meets Youthful Momentum

Having qualified for this year’s Club World Cup by virtue of their 2020/21 UEFA Champions League triumph, Chelsea return to the competition for the third time in their history.

They arrive with silverware and a renewed sense of identity under manager Enzo Maresca, following a season that saw them lift the UEFA Conference League and finish fourth in the Premier League.

Perhaps most impressive is the youth-driven core behind their success.

The Blues fielded the youngest average age team in Premier League history last season (24 years and 36 days), yet showed composure beyond their years in key moments.

Now on a three-game winning run, including a commanding Conference League final victory over Real Betis, Chelsea enter the tournament full of confidence.

While traditionally dominant at the CWC, winning the trophy in 2021 and narrowly losing the 2012 final, Chelsea know that American soil and an ambitious opponent make for a potentially tricky opener.

LAFC – Debut Dream in the Making

In contrast, Los Angeles FC are making their Club World Cup debut, qualifying after beating Mexican giants Club América in the CWC play-off.

That result extended their unbeaten streak to ten matches (W5, D5), a run that highlights both consistency and attacking potency.

Their only recent blemish was a defeat to Inter Miami, another CWC contender, but with the competition taking place during the MLS season and on home turf, Steve Cherundolo’s side will hope familiarity with conditions plays in their favour.

Adding spice to this clash is the presence of former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, who now leads the line for LAFC.

Despite his key role in Chelsea’s Champions League-winning run in 2021, Giroud has only found the net once in 16 previous H2Hs against his former club, something he’ll hope to amend in his tournament debut.

Head-to-Head:

First-ever meeting between the clubs.
Only one previous instance exists of a team facing an English club in their first CWC match – Necaxa (Mexico) vs Manchester United in 2000 (1-1).

Form Guide & Hot Stats :

Chelsea have seen just one of their last five matches end with both teams scoring.
Three of Chelsea’s four previous Club World Cup games were decided by a single-goal margin (W3, L1).
LAFC’s last nine games have featured over 3.5 goals in seven matches – a warning sign for any defence.

Key Players to Watch :

Chelsea: Cole Palmer

Arguably the breakout star of Chelsea’s season, Palmer has racked up an incredible 66 goal contributions (G40, A26) since his 2023 debut. Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have bettered that tally in English football over the same period.

With João Félix and Raheem Sterling unavailable, the creative and goalscoring burden will again fall heavily on Palmer’s shoulders.

LAFC: Olivier Giroud

A cult hero at Stamford Bridge, Giroud helped deliver the very trophy that earned Chelsea their place in this tournament.

Now 38, he remains a physical presence in the final third and LAFC’s chief threat, although history suggests he has a score to settle against his old employers.

Potential Lineups:

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Delap.

LAFC: 4-3-3 -Lloris; Palencia, Segura, Marlon, Hollingshead; Igor Jesus, Delgado, Tillman; Yeboah, Giroud, Bouanga.

Where to watch:

United Kingdom: DAZN (Free)

United States: DAZN (Free)

Canada: DAZN (Free)

India: DAZN (Free)

Australia: DAZN (Free)

Nigeria: SuperSports

Score prediction: Chelsea 3 – 1 LAFX