Romeo Lavia says Chelsea are NOT favourites against Palmeiras | OneFootball

Chelsea play Palmeiras on Friday in the quarter-final of the Club World Cup but Romeo Lavia has said the Blues cannot be considered favourites.

Enzo Maresca’s side got past Benfica in the round of 16 in what was a comical game that was delayed by 106 minutes, and as such they will play the Brazilian side in Philadelphia.

On the upcoming game, midfieleder Lavia said: “It’s a game of football, you can never say one team is the favourite…. They are a good team, we watched a few of their games in the group stage so we know it will be a good game for us and we’re excited to play it.”

Palmeiras are one of the few sides left in the competition who are unbeaten, and their path to this stage includes wins against Al Ahly and Botafogo, as well as draws against Porto and Inter Miami.

Lavia also spoke about the ridiculous game against Benfica, and labelled it the maddest match he has ever been involved in. He explained: “It was probably the craziest game I’ve ever played in… The rules are the rules and we just have to respect them whether we agree with them or not because they are the rules and just get on with it. That’s what we did.”

Chelsea have four days between matches and are preparing for in Miami. Maresca has spoken about how the heat has affected players and training sessions, so the players are enjoying some time off before their training will resume on Tuesday ahead of the huge clash.

Nicolas Jackson will be back available for the side, but summer signing Liam Delap has performed strongly in his absence and there is no guarantee that the Senegalese striker will regain his place.

In a blow for Maresca, Moises Caicedo will not be available for selection after he picked up a yellow card against Benfica and is now suspended.