Flamengo Clash with Chelsea: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI
Chelsea look to maintain their winning momentum in the 2025 Club World Cup as they prepare to take on Flamengo in their second group stage match.
The London side secured a convincing 2-0 triumph against LAFC in their tournament opener, with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández finding the net before a limited audience in Atlanta. While they appear well-positioned to advance from Group D based on their opposition's quality, manager Enzo Maresca will caution his squad against overconfidence.
The Blues are eager to extend their impressive late-season form from 2024-25 into the Club World Cup, though they face a formidable challenge against Brazilian giants Flamengo.
Ex-Chelsea fullback Filipe Luís now leads Flamengo from the touchline, and the 39-year-old tactician has made a strong impression in his role. He steered the 2022 Copa Libertadores champions to a comfortable 2-0 win over Espérance de Tunis in their opening fixture, with strikes in both halves delivering a crucial result for the Brazilian outfit as they pursue knockout stage qualification.
Below is Sports Illustrated's preview of this compelling encounter in Philadelphia.
What time does Flamengo vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?
Flamengo vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between Flamengo and Chelsea.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Flamengo | Chelsea |
|---|---|
Flamengo 2–0 Espérance de Tunis - 17/6/25 | Chelsea 2–0 LAFC - 16/6/25 |
Flamengo 5–0 Fortaleza - 1/6/25 | Real Betis 1–4 Chelsea - 28/5/25 |
Flamengo 1–0 Deportivo Tachira - 29/5/25 | Nottingham Forest 0–1 Chelsea - 25/5/25 |
Palmeiras 0–2 Flamengo - 25/5/25 | Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United - 16/5/25 |
Flamengo 4–2 Botafogo PB - 22/5/25 | Newcastle 2–0 Chelsea - 11/5/25 |
How to watch Flamengo 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 |
Flamengo Team News
Flamengo are expected to stick with a similar lineup from their dominant performance in the previous match, meaning former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho will earn his second start for the Brazilian club. The 33-year-old, who recently signed as a free agent from Arsenal, provided an assist on his debut against Espérance de Tunis.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta looks set to pose the biggest threat to Chelsea's backline, with the Uruguayan playmaker getting off the mark in Flamengo's Club World Cup opener. The 31-year-old will orchestrate play from the attacking midfield role.
Nicolás de la Cruz was absent from the opening match due to an ankle problem and remains questionable for the Chelsea encounter, though former Juventus defender Alex Sandro is expected to return at left-back.
Flamengo Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Flamengo Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Rossi; Varela, Pereira, Ortiz, Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho; Gerson, De Arrascaeta, Araújo; Pedro.
Chelsea Team News
Similar to his counterpart Luís on the opposing bench, Maresca is anticipated to deploy a nearly unchanged starting eleven from Chelsea's tournament debut. Nevertheless, Fernández is likely to take Roméo Lavia's place in midfield after maintaining his impressive scoring streak in the opening round.
New signings Liam Delap and Dário Essugo both entered as substitutes in their Chelsea bow against LAFC and may receive additional playing time off the bench on Friday. Mamadou Sarr, Aarón Anselmino and Andrey Santos will all be eager to make their first appearances in Philadelphia.
No members of Chelsea's traveling squad are anticipated to be sidelined due to injury concerns.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Flamengo
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Flamengo (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson.
Flamengo vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
Friday's fixture promises to deliver an entertaining spectacle between two tactically disciplined and skillful sides. The crucial question remains which team will emerge victorious, with Chelsea entering as the preferred choice due to their superior individual talent and solid recent form.
Flamengo, who have claimed victory in their previous five matches across all competitions, will present significant challenges, particularly with players like De Arrascaeta and Luiz Araújo threatening in attack, but the Blues should narrowly win a closely contested battle and secure another three points in their Club World Cup campaign.