By Alex Roberts
Enzo Maresca’s facet could also be taking a look at this one as a reasonably ‘beneficial’ tie, lacking out on a possible sport with Bayern Munich after ending second in Group D however the Portuguese facet definitely received’t be pushovers.
Liam Delap has arrived
Three video games, two purpose contributions for the Chelsea beginner. Delap bagged his first purpose within the 3-0 win over Espérance, receiving the ball, holding off the defender, and cooly slotting previous the ‘keeper.
It’s been some time because the Chelsea followers have seen a quantity 9 do something like that and with recollections of Álvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Radamel Falcao nonetheless recent within the thoughts, it’s brought about fairly the stir.
With Nicolas Jackson suspended for yet another sport, he has the possibility to show himself towards a longtime European facet as he and his teammates put together for subsequent season’s Champions League. Perhaps the curse is damaged…
An Ángel will get his wings
As soon as Benfica depart the Membership World Cup, Ángel di Maria will depart Benfica. Undoubtedly one of the crucial underrated gamers of his technology, he might be heading again dwelling to play for boyhood membership Rosario Central.
He was their star man all through the group stage, scoring as soon as within the 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors after which bagging a brace within the 6-0 victory over Auckland Metropolis FC, making him the joint high scorer within the competitors.
Even somebody who’s been there and completed it as a lot as Di Maria is at nighttime as to how this event with go. Each side have had looooong seasons however ending his time at Benfica with a very good run, and possibly even a trophy, can be the right option to go.
Attempting new issues
Maresca has brazenly admitted that he’s utilizing the event to strive new issues forward of the 2025-26 season. Maybe most notably, he put Cole Palmer out on the fitting within the 3-1 defeat to Flamengo, the place he was largely ineffective.
One factor that has been an enormous success, nonetheless, is taking part in Enzo Fernández barely increased up the pitch. He’s not fairly within the quantity ten position, however he’s not far off. The World Cup winner took his help tally to 16 for the season vs Espérance.
Irrespective of the event, Maresca will wish to get his arms on that trophy when push involves shove however one factor is for sure, he’ll nonetheless INSIST on sticking Reece James within the midfield.
A protected pair of arms
They’re a fairly sizzling commodity these days. Anatoliy Trubin has quietly established himself as one of many extra dependable younger ‘keepers on the continent, conceding simply 28 objectives and protecting 13 clear sheets in his 32 league video games.
He’s stored that good kind up within the Membership World Cup, successful the Participant of the Match award within the 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, making 4 saves, six recoveries, and two excessive claims over the 90 minutes.
Chelsea’s scenario between the sticks isn’t fairly as secure, though Robert Sánchez has definitely improved because the flip of the yr. This sport might be tight, and Trubin can deal with the strain.
Prediction
These two sides are in all probability extra even than many might imagine, beneath Bruno Lage, Benfica are arduous to interrupt down and Chelsea typically battle towards defensively stable sides. We predict the Premier League facet will undergo 2-1 after additional time.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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