Chelsea Starting XI vs LAFC: Confirmed Team News & Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs LAFC – Club World Cup Opener in Focus

Blues Begin New Era with LAFC Test

Chelsea’s Club World Cup journey begins in Atlanta against LAFC, and for a side fresh from a summer of structural change, this fixture represents more than just a curtain-raiser. It is a first glimpse into how Enzo Maresca’s tactical blueprint will translate onto a global stage, with familiar faces and promising new arrivals tasked with delivering.

Photo: IMAGO

Delap Ready for Debut in Club Showcase

Among those catching the eye is Liam Delap, the £30 million recruit who is vying with Nicolas Jackson for the central attacking role. It may be early in his Chelsea career, but Delap arrives with expectations and a physical presence that could unsettle opposition back lines.

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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.”

Alongside Delap, there is excitement over the inclusion of Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo and Mike Penders in the travelling squad, all eager to make an impression under Maresca’s attentive gaze.

Midfield Reinforcements Bolster Core

Following international duty in South America, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos are all back in contention. Chelsea’s midfield options are strong, with Caicedo and Fernandez likely to form the axis in front of a reshuffled defence.

Photo: IMAGO

“Enzo Maresca should go fairly strong for this opening game and Caicedo and Fernandez are in line for starts.”

Robert Sanchez, still the club’s first-choice goalkeeper despite reported interest in Mike Maignan, is expected to retain his place in goal.

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Chelsea Cautious of Giroud-Led LAFC

While Chelsea enter as favourites, they will be wary of LAFC, bolstered by the experience and quality of Olivier Giroud, a familiar name to Stamford Bridge. With Flamengo and ES Tunis looming, a confident performance here could set the tone.

Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson