Chelsea vs LAFC: Match preview and team updates.
Chelsea and Los Angeles FC go head-to-head in the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday.
Both sides will be searching for a positive start to the tournament, in an intriguing group that also contains Flamengo and ES Tunis.
Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC – Match Preview and Team News
Team News
Chelsea
Chelsea enters this exciting clash with the potential for multiple debuts, as new signings Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr make the squad list. The West London club beat stiff competition from fellow Premier League teams to sign Delap, who, despite play in a relegated Ipswich side last season, showed promising skill and tenacity.
Returning to the Blues is Andrey Santos, fresh off a successful loan spell at Strasbourg. However, the team will be without key players like Wesley Fofana due to injury, and Mykhailo Mudryk remains provisionally suspended after failing a drug test. On the transfer front, Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, and Axel Disasi are exploring moves away from the club and will not participate in this fixture.
Los Angeles FC
Conversely, LAFC boasts an impressive lineup, featuring experienced striker Olivier Giroud, who takes center stage along with prolific forward Denis Bouanga—who has netted 81 goals in 128 appearances since joining from Saint-Etienne. In goal, former Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris will be looking to anchor the defense. However, they may be without on-loan Celtic midfielder Odin Holm, who is facing injury concerns.
Form
Chelsea: WLWWW
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea finished the Premier League season strongly, securing Champions League qualification with five wins out of their last six games. Notable victories against league champions Liverpool and top-four rivals Nottingham Forest highlighted their resurgence. They capped off their campaign by clinching the Europa Conference League, beating Real Betis 4-1 and marking a historic achievement as the first club to win all three current UEFA club competitions.
Los Angeles FC: DWDDW
After a commendable run last season, winning the Western Conference, LAFC is currently placed fifth in the league, albeit with several games in hand. Steve Cherundolo’s team is unbeaten in their last nine matches, demonstrating resilience and tactical prowess. They arrive for the Club World Cup on a high after overturning a halftime deficit to secure a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City, with Giroud, Bouanga, and Eddie Segura contributing to a sensational comeback.
Last Meeting
This fixture will mark the first competitive meeting between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC. Furthermore, it is a landmark moment for Chelsea as it is the first time they play against an American side in a competitive tournament.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Los Angeles FC: Lloris; Palencia, Segura, Marlon, Hollingshead; Tillman, Jesus, Delgado; Yeboah, Giroud, Bouanga.
What TV Channel is Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC On?
For viewers in the UK, the match will be broadcast free-to-air on Channel 5. Additionally, DAZN holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the Club World Cup and will stream this fixture on their platform.
What Time is Kick-Off?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. BST.
For more in-depth coverage and insights from credible sources, check out BBC Sport.
