By Matt Smith
A win for both group would arrange a remaining in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain or Actual Madrid, who face one another on Wednesday. It could possibly be one other alternative for Chelsea followers to see new signing João Pedro in motion as soon as once more, whereas Fluminense’s vibrant supporters might be hoping to see their group attain the ultimate to face one other large European outfit.
Staff information
Suspensions are taking part in an enormous half within the competitors thus far, and Fluminense might be with out centre-back Juan Pablo Freytes and Martinelli, who’ve each picked up too many yellow playing cards on this yr’s Membership World Cup. Thiago Silva is nonetheless anticipated to characteristic in opposition to his former membership.
Liam Delap and Levi Colwill will each miss out resulting from suspension, however we may see Moisés Caicedo return after he was unavailable for the earlier sport, serving a one-match ban. João Pedro may characteristic as soon as once more, however one other new signing, Jamie Gittens, is ineligible.
Fluminense a shock package deal
Fluminense have been a little bit of a shock package deal this competitors, and plenty of supporters from Europe won’t have anticipated to see them attain the semi-final. The Brazilian outfit are there on benefit, nonetheless, beating Inter Milan and Al-Hilal, amongst others, whereas additionally securing a formidable 0-0 draw in opposition to Borussia Dortmund.
Conceding simply 0.6 objectives per sport – a determine solely bettered by PSG – Fluminense have proven immense defensive resilience, however they’ll be developing in opposition to a Chelsea aspect with loads of attacking expertise.
Maresca’s aspect fluent in assault
As was the case for a lot of the 2024/2025 Premier League season, Enzo Maresca’s aspect have appeared fluent in assault on the Membership World Cup. Scoring 2.4 objectives per sport, a bunch of Chelsea’s attacking stars have chipped in with objectives, however they’ll want to begin controlling their mood to keep away from additional suspensions.
The Blues have picked up 12 yellow playing cards within the competitors, with solely Fluminense and Benfica managing extra. We could possibly be set for a fiery encounter in New Jersey on Tuesday.
Pedro Neto discovering type
Chelsea have been linked with a bunch of attacking gamers this summer time, and we’ve already seen three arrive by way of the door. What this implies for a few of Maresca’s present choices within the remaining third stays to be seen, however Pedro Neto is one participant who seems to be relishing the additional competitors.
The Portuguese ahead has struck 3 times thus far and has been a continuing menace out broad for Chelsea. Neto may rely himself unfortunate to not have a few assists to his title, and he’s definitely made a case to begin the remaining video games within the competitors.
Prediction
It’s been a formidable event thus far for Fluminense, however we’re going for a slim 2-1 victory to Chelsea on this one.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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