Palmer Set to Return as Chelsea Unveils Star-Studded Lineup Against Benfica

Chelsea will battle for their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals this Saturday evening as they take on Benfica in the round of 16.

Comfortable wins against Los Angeles FC and Espérance de Tunis in the group phase were interrupted by a disappointing loss to Flamengo on the second matchday, with their breakdown against the Brazilian side denying them first place. Nevertheless, securing second position has potentially worked in their favor as Chelsea sidestep a round of 16 encounter with Bayern Munich.

Enzo Maresca gave rest to crucial players during the 3-0 triumph over ES Tunis in their previous outing and utilized several squad players to guarantee Chelsea's progression to the Club World Cup knockout phase. However, the Italian manager is expected to deploy his strongest starting eleven for the encounter with Benfica.

Here's how the Blues might set up in Charlotte.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica (4-2-3-1)

GK: Robert Sánchez—The Spanish keeper struggled against Flamengo but is expected to reclaim his starting position from backup Filip Jörgensen. Benfica will test him frequently.

RB: Reece James—After being deployed in midfield against Flamengo and given a break against ES Tunis, James may return to his natural right-back position on Saturday.

CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—Trevoh Chalobah might replace Adarabioyo, but the latter found the net against ES Tunis while also maintaining a clean sheet. He may have earned his place in the starting lineup.

CB: Levi Colwill—Vangelis Pavlidis has been exceptional for Benfica throughout the past year, netting 29 times across all competitions last season and already contributing a goal and assist in the Club World Cup. Colwill will need to contain the Greek striker.

LB: Marc Cucurella—Cucurella faces the challenge of limiting 37-year-old Ángel Di María's opportunities to cause damage. The Spanish defender excels in individual defensive duels.

DM: Moisés Caicedo—Caicedo was among the key players rested for Chelsea's final group match, but the Ecuadorian is expected to return to the defensive midfield partnership.

DM: Enzo Fernández—Fernández has recorded one goal and two assists in the Club World Cup so far and will look to maintain his strong offensive contributions against his previous club Benfica.

RW: Pedro Neto—Neto leads Chelsea's scoring charts at the Club World Cup, finding the net in their first two group matches. The Portuguese winger will be motivated to impress against opposition from his home country.

AM: Cole Palmer—Palmer has yet to shine at the Club World Cup and appears to be operating below his exceptional standards. Chelsea require their star player to elevate his performance in the knockout stage.

LW: Noni Madueke—Chelsea's wing options are restricted following Jadon Sancho's exit and Mykhailo Mudryk's ban, making Madueke likely to start again on Saturday after featuring for over an hour against ES Tunis.

ST: Liam Delap—With Nicolas Jackson still serving his suspension, Delap will get the chance to build on his maiden Chelsea goal on Saturday. He scored the second goal for the Blues in their last match in a promising performance.