Palmeiras Clash with Chelsea: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI
Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras squares off against English Premier League heavyweights Chelsea in a crucial Club World Cup quarterfinal showdown.
Under Abel Ferreira's guidance, the team successfully navigated past defending Copa Libertadores titleholders Botafogo in an intense battle. The tension and hostility between these Brazilian rivals was palpable throughout the match, yet Palmeiras demonstrated superior play and rightfully secured their spot in the quarterfinal round.
Meanwhile, Chelsea endured a lengthy weather postponement lasting over two hours that nearly cost them their advantage in injury time against Benfica. The London club recovered admirably and displayed resilience, overwhelming the Portuguese opponents during extra time.
This marks the initial encounter between these clubs since Kai Havertz converted from the penalty mark to secure Chelsea's maiden Club World Cup title in the 2021 tournament. Nevertheless, the Blues have suffered defeats in two of their previous three official encounters against Brazilian teams, and the Green Machine will be looking for payback.
The victorious side from this encounter will advance to meet either Fluminense or Al Hilal in the semifinal stage.
Below is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Club World Cup quarterfinal battle.
What Time Does Palmeiras vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?
Palmeiras vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record
Single Previous Meeting: Chelsea 2–1 Palmeiras (Feb. 12, 2022) - 2021 FIFA Club World Cup final.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Palmeiras | Chelsea |
|---|---|
Palmeiras 1–0 Botafogo - 28/6/25 | Benfica 1–4 Chelsea - 28/6/25 |
Inter Miami 2–2 Palmeiras – 23/6/25 | ES Tunis 0–3 Chelsea - 25/6/25 |
Palmeiras 2–0 Al Ahly – 19/6/25 | Flamengo 3–1 Chelsea - 20/6/25 |
Palmeiras 0–0 Porto – 15/6/25 | Chelsea 2–0 LAFC - 16/6/25 |
Cruzeiro 2–1 Palmeiras – 1/6/25 | Real Betis 1–4 Chelsea - 28/5/25 |
How to Watch Palmeiras vs. Chelsea on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN |
Palmeiras Team News
The Brazilian side must neutralize Chelsea's offensive threat while missing two key defenders from their round of 16 triumph. Micael and Vanderlan are expected to step in for the suspended pair of Gustavo Gomés and Joaquín Piquerez.
Paulinho, who proved decisive against both Botafogo and Inter Miami, is anticipated to begin the match as a substitute once more. Manager Ferreira has acknowledged that the experienced forward will likely undergo surgery following the tournament and can only feature as a replacement with restricted playing time. Vitor Roque is set to spearhead the attack again.
Focus will center on 18-year-old Estêvão Willian, who faces his prospective club in what might be his farewell appearance for Palmeiras. The Brazilian prodigy has remained relatively subdued throughout most of the competition, but he'll attempt to make an impression against his future colleagues to prolong his time with his boyhood team for another match.
Richard Ríos has delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament, and with Moisés Caicedo unavailable, the Colombian midfielder has an opportunity to control the center of the park for the Green Machine.
Palmeiras Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Palmeiras predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Wéverton; Giay, Micael, Fuchs, Vanderlan; Martínez, Ríos; Estêvão, Torres, Allan; Roque
Chelsea Team News
Predicting an Enzo Maresca starting eleven remains challenging, particularly during this Club World Cup campaign. However, in such a significant fixture, the Italian manager cannot afford to take risks with squad rotation or Chelsea might face elimination.
Losing Caicedo to suspension represents a significant setback given he was Chelsea's sole player to feature in every Premier League match last season. Roméo Lavia would typically fill this void but remains questionable due to injury concerns, potentially creating an opportunity for newcomer Andrey Santos.
Benoît Badiashille's availability remains uncertain after picking up an injury versus Benfica, with Tosin Adarabioyo potentially partnering Levi Colwill in defense.
Nicolas Jackson returns from his two-match ban and could replace Liam Delap in the starting formation, especially considering the new Chelsea acquisition is walking a disciplinary tightrope.
Additionally, Noni Madueke's potential inclusion might allow Cole Palmer to operate in a more central role, while recent signing João Pedro is likely to begin on the substitutes' bench awaiting his Chelsea debut opportunity. Pedro Neto has been granted compassionate leave due to the passing of his close friend Diogo Jota and will make the final decision regarding his participation.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Palmeiras
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Palmeiras (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Santos, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
Palmeiras vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
In this rematch of the 2021 Club World Cup final, only a select few players remain from either squad that participated in Chelsea's extra-time triumph.
While Chelsea undoubtedly possess superior individual talent, Maresca's team has yet to produce a truly dominant display since their Conference League final success. Palmeiras enter with nothing to lose and boast considerable quality within their ranks. The Green Machine will seek to trouble the Blues similarly to how Flamengo challenged them during group stage action.
Despite Palmeiras' impressive showings, Chelsea face a prime opportunity to reach the final having been placed in the more advantageous bracket section. The Blues cannot waste this chance and must justify their favoritism by advancing past the Green Machine with their finest Club World Cup performance to date.