🌎 Club World Cup Group D: Can Chelsea's young squad survive a tough test? | OneFootball

In the latest look at the groups competing at this summer’s Club World Cup in the USA, it is now time to cast our eyes over Group D.

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Who is in Group D?

The favourites

Chelsea will be the heavy favourites to triumph, but don't expect an easy ride from the rest of Group D. With an estimated 50 million fans, Flamengo are one of the best-supported clubs in the world and will bring a huge following, whilse Espérance are a giant of African football, qualifying for the CAF Champions League on 14 consecutive occasions. It's going to be a fascinating watch.

What’s the key game?

Philadelphia will play host to a mouth-watering game on June 20 as Flamengo take on Chelsea at Lincoln Financial Field. The Rio giants will no doubt fancy their chances against a Blues outfit that have been peaking at the right time this season but still don't look 100% convincing under Enzo Maresca.

Can you give me a player to watch for each team?

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

If Chelsea are to perform as they expect at the Club World Cup, then Cole Palmer will need to be on top form. Without him, the Blues attack simply doesn't function with the England international the fulcrum around which all their play in the final third rotates.

Pedro (Flamengo)

Pedro stands out as one of Flamengo's most reliable goalscorers. His impressive record includes being the top scorer in the 2022 Copa Libertadores, where he also earned the Best of the Tournament award. A finisher extraordinaire who loves popping up with a vital strike in the biggest of games.

Yassine Meriah (Espérance de Tunis)

📸 FETHI BELAID - AFP or licensors

Standing at 1.88m tall, Yassine Meriah brings a commanding presence to the Espérance backline. Combining physical strength with tactical awareness, his leadership qualities and extensive experience, including 85 caps for the Tunisia national team, have made him an indispensable figure for the African outfit.

Olivier Giroud (LAFC)

Arguably the most recognisable name in the LAFC side is World Cup winner and former Arsenal, Chelsea and Milan striking star Olivier Giroud. He had a slow start to his spell in California but even at 38, remains a lethal presence in front of goal and will relish coming up against his former club.

And the big storyline?

Can Chelsea's young squad survive in one of the tougher groups at this summer's inaugural tournament? After a long Premier League season in which the Conference League winners had to fight right until the final game, facing giants from South America and Africa could potentially prove too much.

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