Chelsea will be looking to advance to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup when they line up on Saturday night against fellow European giants Benfica.
The Blues were fortunate to avoid a tie with Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 by finishing second in the group, however Enzo Maresca knows his side will need to put in their best performance of the competition so far to go through.
The boss will be thankful that he was able to hand a number of key players a rest during the last group game against ES Tunis. Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella were amongst those who didn’t feature in the 3-0 win.
With them all set to return, another player almost certain to start is Liam Delap. The Englishman opened his account in the last game, and Nicolas Jackson remains suspended following his red card.
Enzo Maresca looks on during Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Enzo Maresca should unleash new-look Chelsea attack for Club World Cup tie vs Benfica
Delap has adapted to life as a Chelsea player very quickly, and the task for Maresca will perhaps be finding the best players to support him in attack.
Arguably the club’s best performer in the United States so far, Pedro Neto should be recalled to the starting side, as he looks to build on his two goals in the opening two games.
With the Portugal international expected to play on the right, the boss should look elsewhere when it comes to a left winger.
Normally, he would look to Noni Madueke. However, Tyrique George being a natural in this position should see him start against Benfica.
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The England youngster is yet to start at the Club World Cup, however scored in the final moments of their recent 3-0 win.
He replaced Madueke against ES Tunis, after he had struggled to make a real impact on his less-preferred side of attack.
Liam Delap looks on during Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Madueke must step up next season at Chelsea
Reports have claimed that Madueke is not untouchable at Chelsea right now, opening up speculation that his place at the club is not secure.
With Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens set to join the club this summer, the England international is going to need to provide more to convince them that he should be a key part of their project.
A number of Premier League sides are keeping an eye on the situation. Arsenal are keen on Madueke, however are not currently prepared to pay Chelsea’s demands.
He still has a chance to prove himself at Stamford Bridge, although the next opportunity should not come against Benfica.