Chelsea’s final group game of the Club World Cup now has more importance than they perhaps expected after defeat in their second fixture to Flamengo.
The Blues were defeated 3-1, and despite Nicolas Jackson’s red card, a lot of the conversation surrounding the game actually involved a player who didn’t feature at all.
Andrey Santos spent his second consecutive game on the bench, despite being one of the few players with the squad who wasn’t part of Enzo Maresca’s Premier League side.
Santos can blame Jackson’s sending off for the manager having to change his gameplan, after being tipped to feature against the Brazilian side.
It remains to be seen if he is given the nod for their final fixture against ES Tunis, but after Maresca has hinted at more rotation, The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the side who will line up in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Enzo Maresca speaks to the media during Chelsea FC Training Session And Press Conference - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea predicted XI vs ES Tunis
Robert Sanchez’s erratic passing saw Chelsea fans calling for a new signing in goal this summer, and his display will see Filip Jorgensen handed his first appearance of the tournament.
The right-back position will be filled by Josh Acheampong, another player who has had to wait patiently to take to the field in the United States.
Tosin Adarabioyo will be recalled to the starting side, with the manager no doubt relying on his leadership skills as they look to navigate their final group game and set up a tie with Bayern Munich.
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Alongside him, Benoit Badiashile will be given the nod over Levi Colwill, with rotation at the forefront of Maresca’s mind.
The first remaining starter from the loss to Flamengo will be Marc Cucurella. The Spaniard still does not have any sort of competition for his place in the side.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo will also keep his place. The Ecuador international has proven to be arguably the most important player in a Chelsea shirt right now.
Andrey Santos warms up during SOCCER: JUN 20 FIFA Club World Cup Group D CR Flamengo v Chelsea FC
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Alongside him, we are predicting Santos will be handed his chance to impress, giving supporters their first look at the Brazilian in a competitive atmosphere.
Ahead of those two, Cole Palmer will be back in a more recognisable central position after struggling to impact the last game off the right.
On the right, Noni Madueke will return to the side, taking the place of Pedro Neto despite his two goals so far in the competition.
The opposite wing will be fulfilled by Tyrique George, who is another player who is yet to start for the Blues during the Club World Cup.
Up front, the absence of Jackson makes Liam Delap a shoo-in to start in the striker role. He will be keen to find the net for the first time in a Chelsea shirt.
Chelsea Predicted XI vs ES Tunis