Fernandez Set for Explosive Return as Chelsea Face Flamengo in Make-or-Break Showdown
Chelsea will encounter Brazilian opponents for just the third occasion in competitive play on Friday as they take on Flamengo in the 2025 Club World Cup.
The London club kicked off their tournament with a commanding 2-0 win against MLS representatives LAFC, with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández finding the net in each half. Their upcoming match against Flamengo presents a tougher test, as the 2022 Copa Libertadores champions also secured a 2-0 victory in their tournament opener.
Enzo Maresca possesses one of the most comprehensive and skillful rosters in the competition, yet sees little reason to alter his starting formation significantly after their successful first-round performance.
This is how Chelsea might set up against Flamengo.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Flamengo (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—The Spanish goalkeeper faced minimal pressure against LAFC but delivered an impressive display, making four saves to deny 1.55 expected goals.
RB: Reece James—James was substituted at halftime against LAFC as Maresca carefully monitors his playing time. Given the quick succession of matches, expect another limited appearance from the right-back on Friday.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—After regularly rotating with Trevoh Chalobah in recent weeks, the ex-Manchester City center-back earned the starting role in the opening match. His performance warrants keeping his spot in the lineup.
CB: Levi Colwill—Maintaining a clean sheet will prove more challenging against Flamengo, who have found the net in 11 of their past 12 contests and scored 14 goals across their last five games. The Brazilian side possesses dangerous offensive weapons.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Another commanding physical display helped neutralize LAFC's threats previously. The Spanish defender has consistently outdueled opposing wingers in recent months.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—Caicedo must closely monitor Flamengo's primary playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who netted against Espérance de Tunis in their last match and recorded 13 goal contributions in Brazil's top division this season.
DM: Enzo Fernández—Chelsea's current star performer should reclaim his starting position after coming off the bench to score against LAFC. No Blues player is enjoying better form than the goal-scoring Argentine midfielder.
RW: Pedro Neto—Neto also scored in Chelsea's opening fixture with a brilliant cut-and-finish that left LAFC's defense bewildered. The Portuguese winger will likely face former Juventus left-back Alex Sandro on Friday.
AM: Cole Palmer—Palmer hasn't quite reached his spectacular peak form but continues creating opportunities for the Blues in attacking areas. Ex-Chelsea midfielder Jorginho will be responsible for containing the England international.
LW: Noni Madueke—The English winger struggled more than his attacking teammates in the previous match but should maintain his starting role. Rising talent Tyrique George is competing for Madueke's left-wing position.
ST: Nicolas Jackson—Jackson provided an excellent assist for Neto's goal and should hold off Liam Delap—who impressed with an assist on his debut appearance—for another start.