The Club World Cup has reached the round of 16, featuring a compelling encounter between Benfica and Chelsea. This match signifies the increasing intensity of the competition. Both clubs are generally expected to contend for their domestic league titles. While they didn`t achieve this last season, a strong performance in the CWC could provide significant momentum for the upcoming campaign. Chelsea, in particular, has been focused on integrating Liam Delap during this tournament, and it appears to be paying off.
Delap netted his first goal for the club in their victory over Esperance and is expected to start again given Nicolas Jackson`s suspension for the round of 16 tie. Benfica secured a notable result by defeating Bayern Munich to top their group. However, having reached this stage, they face no easy opponents going forward. Angel Di Maria has been a crucial figure in their success so far, and his contribution will be vital if they hope to extend their tournament run.
Last Meeting
It has been a considerable time since Benfica and Chelsea last competed against each other. Their previous encounter was in the 2013 Europa League final. Chelsea emerged victorious in that match, thanks to two assists from Juan Mata and a decisive stoppage-time winner from Branislav Ivanovic. That fixture is quite a throwback, considering Frank Lampard, now manager of Coventry City, was still playing in midfield for Chelsea at the time. None of the players who started that 2013 final are expected to be involved in the upcoming match, but there is a shared history between the two clubs.
Predicted lineups
Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin, Sanyek Dahl, Nicolas Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Leandro Barreiro, Renato Sanches, Fredrik Aursnes, Kerem Akturkoglu, Gianluca Prestianni, Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis
Chelsea: Filip Jorgensen, Malo Gusto, Benoiit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap
Player to Watch
Liam Delap, Chelsea: After making an immediate impact in the tournament with a goal and an assist, this match represents Delap`s most significant challenge yet. He has adjusted well since joining from Ipswich Town, and his familiarity with Enzo Maresca has been beneficial. However, performances in games like this one against Benfica will help determine if he is prepared for Champions League level play. Wearing the number nine shirt at Stamford Bridge comes with high expectations, but securing silverware early in the season could significantly boost the young forward`s confidence. Even if Chelsea doesn`t win the Club World Cup, a deep run in the competition would be highly valuable.
Storyline to Watch
Is Chelsea ready for the Champions League? The upcoming season is crucial for Chelsea as they return to Champions League competition under Maresca. The squad will need to be refined, as Maresca cannot rotate the team as extensively for European matches as he might for the Premier League. This tournament provides an early test of the team`s depth and Maresca`s tactical approach in a competitive environment, which is why winning matches like this one against Benfica is important as a preview for the season ahead, even if the squad isn`t finalized.
Prediction
Chelsea is expected to control possession sufficiently to fend off Benfica, with Liam Delap likely to find the back of the net again. This fixture is anticipated to be a low-scoring affair, but Chelsea will be content as long as they secure the victory. Prediction: Benfica 0, Chelsea 1
