The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage continues on Monday, featuring a matchup between one of the English Premier League`s top clubs, Chelsea, and one of America`s prominent MLS teams, LAFC. Chelsea is a global football powerhouse and is set to return to the UEFA Champions League next season following a fourth-place finish in the Premier League. Meanwhile, LAFC were MLS champions in 2022 and won the U.S. Open Cup last season, but currently sit fifth in the Western Conference standings.
Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Monday. In the latest odds, Chelsea are heavily favored at -475 (bet $475 to win $100), while LAFC are significant underdogs at +1100. A draw is priced at +600, and the over/under for total match goals is set at 3.5. Before making any picks for LAFC vs. Chelsea, it`s wise to consider the analysis of proven SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green.
Last year, Green achieved profitability with his soccer picks across several competitions, including Euro qualifying (+6.30 units), EFL Cup (+4.47), FA Cup (+3.07), and Champions League (+3.05), among others. Following his picks proved profitable for his followers.
Martin Green`s Top Picks and Predictions (Odds Subject to Change):
- Chelsea -1.5 at -120 (1 unit)
- Chelsea to score over 2.5 goals +108 (0.25 units)
- Both teams to score -110 (0.25 units)
Reasoning for Picks:
Chelsea -1.5 (-120)
This is one of Europe`s biggest clubs, and the talent gap is expected to be significant in this matchup. Chelsea has invested $1.6 billion in transfer fees since new ownership took over in 2022, while LAFC has spent only $88 million on transfers since the club`s founding in 2018. Adding to the challenge for the MLS club, Chelsea concluded their season in superb form, whereas LAFC are currently navigating a somewhat disappointing campaign.
“Chelsea should prove too strong for LAFC when the teams clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday,” Green stated. “Some European teams might be fatigued after a long season, but this should be less of a concern for Chelsea given their extensive squad depth.”
Chelsea to score over 2.5 goals (+108)
LAFC faces a significant disadvantage as they are currently in the midst of their domestic league season. They will need to balance competing strongly in this global tournament with maintaining the fitness of their key players for when MLS play resumes later this month. Chelsea, while recently concluding a long Premier League season, finished strongly, winning eight of their last nine matches across all competitions.
Chelsea climbed to fourth in the Premier League and secured their return to the Champions League with a dramatic win over Nottingham Forest on the final day. The Blues continued by adding an emphatic UEFA Conference League Final victory (4-1) against Real Betis. While they will want to rest key players ahead of a busy 2025-26 campaign, Chelsea possesses enough squad depth to field a strong attacking lineup even with significant rotation.
Both teams to score (-110)
There`s still some uncertainty about how seriously clubs will approach this tournament given its timing and context, but the typical dynamic between English and American soccer lends itself well to this prediction. American teams often seek validation when facing European counterparts, and LAFC will likely be motivated to showcase MLS quality. Meanwhile, Chelsea will aim to reinforce the Premier League`s global standing and quickly dispel any notions of parity.
“Chelsea`s defense can be somewhat vulnerable, and the Blues may concede on Monday, but they should be capable of scoring multiple goals against LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris,” Green noted.
