Chelsea play Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-final on Tuesday 8 July at the MetLife Stadium. Enzo Maresca makes some late changes as Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, and Benoît Badiashile miss out, forcing him to rework tactics at both ends.
Backline Reinvented: Adarabioyo & Chalobah Step Up
Colwill and Delap both miss out through suspension after picking up their second yellow cards of the competition. Badiashile, for his part, misses out with a fitness issue he picked up during the victory against Benfica. With all three out Maresca is likely to partner Tosin Adarabioyo with Trevoh Chalobah in the centre.
Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto look set to retain their full-back spots, lining up ahead of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. Reece James is a doubt after his comeback only stretched to a warm-up cameo last time out and may have to settle for a place on the bench.
These absences will be a test of Chelsea defensive depth and tactical discipline, particularly in conditions as torturous as this, against a Fluminense side that is noted for its slick build up and old heads – such as Thiago Silva at the back. Maresca wants his rejigged backline to stay alert and make smart decisions throughout the game.
Chelsea’s Fresh Legs, Familiar Rhythm in Attack
Nicolas Jackson looks set to return to a striking role in Delap’s absence, with Cole Palmer supporting after scoring in the last round. Either Raheem Sterling or Mykhailo Mudryk should feature on the left, while Christopher Nkunku continues regaining match fitness and pushes for a spot on the bench.
Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo will anchor the midfield duo, while Conor Gallagher looks set to complete the three-man central unit. Carney Chukwuemeka is an option if Maresca wants a more attacking edge.
With the key absentees though, Chelsea’s squad depth provides lots of flexibility. If the Blues can calmly control the pace of the game and the transition early in the game, they have the class to book a final berth.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
