ES Tunis Set to Battle Chelsea: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI

ES Tunis Set to Battle Chelsea: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI

Following their loss in the second group match, Chelsea must still secure their spot in the Club World Cup's round of 16 when they face Esperánce de Tunis in Philadelphia.

Pedro Neto's clever second strike of the competition gave the Blues an advantage against Flamengo in their previous encounter, but Enzo Maresca's squad couldn't match the confident Brazilians following halftime.

The Brazilian Serie A frontrunners netted three consecutive goals in the latter half to claim an impressive 3-1 triumph and secure their knockout stage qualification as Group D champions. Consequently, Chelsea are now competing solely for the runner-up position on Tuesday evening.

Though the Blues share equal points with ES Tunis entering this decisive encounter, they hold a superior goal difference by one and will progress to the elimination rounds with just a tie against the Tunisian powerhouse.

The four-time CAF Champions League champions are determined to shock the football community in Philadelphia, and they positioned themselves for a potential last 16 qualification by defeating LAFC 1-0 in their second match.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Club World Cup decisive battle.

What time does ES Tunis vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?

ES Tunis vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record

This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between ES Tunis and Chelsea.

Current Form (All Competitions)

ES Tunis

Chelsea

ES Tunis 1–0 LAFC - 20/6/25

Flamengo 3–1 Chelsea - 20/6/25

Flamengo 2–0 ES Tunis - 17/6/25

Chelsea 2–0 LAFC - 16/6/25

ES Tunis 1–0 Stade Tunisien - 1/6/25

Real Betis 1–4 Chelsea - 28/5/25

Ben Guerdane 0–3 ES Tunis - 25/5/25

Nottingham Forest 0–1 Chelsea - 25/5/25

ES Tunis 3–1 Zarzis - 18/5/25

Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United - 16/5/25

How to watch ES Tunis vs. Chelsea on TV

Country

Channel

United States

DAZN. Watch TNT, TNT USA, truTV USA

United Kingdom

DAZN, Channel 5

Canada

DAZN

Mexico

DAZN, ViX, tabii

ES Tunis Team News

Youcef Belaïli, formerly of Brest and Ajaccio, has emerged as Esperánce's primary attacking weapon throughout the competition, netting the decisive goal against LAFC in their second fixture.

Unfortunately, Belaïli faces suspension for this critical encounter after accumulating yellow cards in both opening tournament matches.

Yan Sasse will likely step in to replace him against the Blues, with Esperánce's number 10 positioned behind last season's leading scorer, Ricardo Rodrigues, who progressed through Palmeiras' renowned academy system.

ES Tunis Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea

ES Tunis Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea (4-4-1-1): Ben Said; Ben Ali, Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida; Mokwana, Guenichi, Ogbelu, Konaté; Sasse; Rodrigo

Chelsea Team News

Nicolas Jackson's second red card results in his suspension for Chelsea's concluding group fixture, ensuring Liam Delap maintains his starting position in Maresca's Philadelphia lineup.

The Italian manager revealed that his team has faced training difficulties leading up to Tuesday's match due to oppressive weather conditions, with Reece James and Levi Colwill missing recent practice sessions due to illness.

Roméo Lavia is expected to reclaim his central midfield role, while Noni Madueke appears set to start on the flank as Maresca reverts to a more conventional formation. The Blues manager might consider additional squad rotation following his team's second-half collapse against Flamengo, potentially bringing in Tosin Adarabioyo and Dário Essugo.

Andrey Santos remains unlikely to feature in the midfield once more.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. ES Tunis

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. ES Tunis (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Essugo; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Delap

ES Tunis vs. Chelsea Score Prediction

European clubs have notably struggled with the demanding physical conditions across the United States this summer, with Chelsea visibly suffering as their second match against Flamengo progressed.

Match preparation hasn't been optimal for Maresca's team, who clearly possess superior quality but have underperformed at the tournament thus far.

ES Tunis, energized by their passionate traveling supporters, might believe they have an opportunity here, though losing key player Youcef Belaïli will undoubtedly impact their chances. They may find it difficult to challenge the Blues defensively but should manage to frustrate a sluggish Chelsea side for significant periods.

This encounter promises to be challenging viewing for Blues fans—even with knockout qualification likely assured.

Prediction: ES Tunis 0–1 Chelsea