Chelsea take on LAFC at the Club World Cup
ES Composite
COMMENTS
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Chelsea kick-start their Club World Cup campaign against LAFC on Monday.
Enzo Maresca has already made some tough decisions for his squad ahead the tournament, leaving out all players who spent time out of loan during the season, apart from Andrey Santos, despite opting against taking the maximum 35 players allowed.
There will also be a chance for debuts for new signings Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and young goalkeeper Mike Penders, but Sanchez should go fairly strong for this opening game.
Robert Sanchez remains the first-choice goalkeeper despite a concerted effort to sign Mike Maignan in the days and hours before the transfer deadline, and should get the nod behind a strong back line. Marc Cucurella as the only recognised senior left-back in the squad with Ben Chilwell absent, though Levi Colwill should deputise there.
Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will surely start the opener, with the first-choice front four of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson looking to get the Blues off to a strong start.
Captain Reece James is likely to be saved, while Aaron Anselmino is the sole injury doubt in the travelling squad.
Chelsea will be wary not to underestimate a LAFC team boasting the likes of familiar face Oliver Giroud, and then face Flamengo on Friday before an easier-looking test against ES Tunis on June 25.
Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
Read More
Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal suffer Williams blow; Man Utd rejected; Mbeumo latest
How to watch Al Ahly vs Inter Miami for FREE: TV channel and live stream
Club World Cup 2025 fixtures, results and latest table standings
SponsoredEnter the AXA Startup Angel competition to win £25,000
Injured: Aaron Anselmino
Time and date: 8pm BST on Monday, June 16 2025
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
TV channel and free live stream: Channel 5 (UK) and DAZN (worldwide)