Chelsea will ramp up their Club World Cup bid with a clash against Benfica in their first knockout match of the competition this weekend.
The Blues have flattered to deceive at times during the new-look US tournament after scraping into the last-16 as Group D runners-up.
Chelsea bounced back from their defeat to Group D winners Flamengo
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Chelsea bounced back from their defeat to Group D winners FlamengoCredit: Getty
Enzo Maresca's side had enhanced their tag as favourites to finish first after a comfortable 2-0 win over LAFC in their opening game.
However, a shock 3-1 defeat to Brazilian outfit Flamengo after Nicolas Jacksonwassent off raised the stakes for their final group match.
Liam Delap seized his opportunity to lead the line, having opened his account for Chelsea in a 3-0 victory over Esperance Tunis.
Fortuitously, the Blues will now face Benfica – surprise winners of Group C ahead of Bayern Munich – in the next round.
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Benfica vs Chelsea: Date and how to follow
This Club World Cup last-16 game will take place on Saturday, June 28.
Kick-off at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, is scheduled for 9pm UK time.
talkSPORT will have live coverage, with commentary from Nigel Adderley and former Benfica and Chelsea defender Scott Minto.
Paul Ross will serve as your presenter, with commentary coming from Nigel Adderley and former Arsenal winger Perry Groves.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
talkSPORT.com will also be right across the action.
In addition, the action will be shown on DAZN.
Jackson was shown his second red card in a little over a month
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Jackson was shown his second red card in a little over a monthCredit: Getty
Benfica vs Chelsea: Team news
Jackson is back after serving his one-match suspension, but Delap is likely to continue leading the line after scoring his first Blues goal.
Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, and captain Reece James, are all expected to return to the starting XI after enjoying full rests.
Chelsea squad
Goalkeepers: Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, Robert Sanchez, Gaga Slonina
Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Reece James, Mamadou Sarr
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Dario Essugo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos
Forwards: Liam Delap, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer
Benfica squad
Goalkeepers: Antonily Trubin, Diogo Ferreira, Andre Gomes
Defenders: Alvaro Carreras, Antonio Silva, Samuel Dahl, Nicolas Otamendi, Rui Silva, Goncalo Oliveira, Joshua Wynder, Leandro, Adrian Bajrami
Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Orkun Kokcu, Leandro Barreiro, Florentino Luis, Joao Veloso, Rafael Luís, Joao Rego, Renato Sanches, Diogo Prioste
Forwards: Ángel Di María, Vangelis Pavlidis, Kerem Akturkoglu, Andrea Belotti, Andreas Schjelderup, Gianluca Prestianni, Bruma, Tiago Gouveia, Eduardo Fernandes
Delap scored his first Chelsea goal since his £30million switch from Ipswich
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Delap scored his first Chelsea goal since his £30million switch from IpswichCredit: Getty
Benfica vs Chelsea: What has been said?
Delap hopes there are plenty more goals to come after getting off the mark in his third appearance in Blue since joining from Ipswich.
He said: “Obviously, it is a really happy feeling and hopefully it is the first of many.
“I spoke to Enzo (Maresca) and he told me when he gets the ball to just run. It was a great pass, and luckily it went in.
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“I love playing football, and to play for such a good team is a great feeling.
“We had to win to get through, and we are all happy we are into the next stage.”
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