Evening Standard
·16. Juni 2025
Chelsea XI vs LAFC: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Club World Cup today

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·16. Juni 2025
New signing Liam Delap in line for his Blues debut in opener in Atlanta
Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia
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Liam Delap will hope to make his first appearance for Chelsea when the Blues get their Club World Cup campaign underway against LAFC.
The £30million signing is competing with Nicolas Jackson for a starting spot in attack.
Fellow new signings Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo, and Mike Penders are also in the Chelsea squad in America.
Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos are all in contention to face LAFC after joining up with the squad following international duty in South America.
Liam Delap is in line to make his Chelsea debut
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca should go fairly strong for this opening game and Caicedo and Fernandez are in line for starts.
Robert Sanchez remains the first-choice goalkeeper despite a concerted effort to sign Mike Maignan, and should get the nod behind a strong back line.
Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and either Delap or Jackson could make up the front four, though Tyrique George could get a start on the left.
Chelsea will be wary not to underestimate a LAFC team boasting the likes of familiar face Oliver Giroud.
The Blues then face Flamengo on Friday before an easier-looking test against ES Tunis on June 25.
Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
Time and date: 8pm BST on Monday, June 16 2025
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
TV channel and free live stream: Channel 5 (UK) and DAZN (worldwide)