A lot has changed since that meeting three years ago. Both teams have new managers and mostly different squads, but Chelsea will be aiming to repeat their past success. Back in 2022, Kai Havertz scored a 117th-minute penalty to seal a 2-1 victory, but none of the starting lineup from that day remain at the club.
Despite the turnover, Chelsea are still considered one of the favourites to go all the way, especially after a dramatic win over Benfica in the last 16. They came second in their group after a loss to Flamengo but secured a much better position in the bracket thanks to a dominant 3-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis.
Their round-of-16 match against Benfica was anything but straightforward. Chelsea were leading 1-0 with just five minutes left, but a long weather delay threw everything into chaos. When play resumed, Benfica equalised with a last-gasp penalty, forcing extra time. Fortunately for Chelsea, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was sent off early in extra time, and Chelsea capitalised. Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed a convincing 4-1 win.
Having already lifted the Conference League trophy before arriving at the Club World Cup, Enzo Maresca's team is eyeing a cup double. With Manchester City and Inter Milan both unexpectedly knocked out in the previous round, the path to the final looks more open—though not easy. A win on Friday would set up a semi-final against either Fluminense or Al-Hilal.
But Palmeiras are no pushovers. They’ve never lost a match at the Club World Cup and recently took down both Copa Libertadores winners and Brazilian league champions Botafogo in the last 16.
Their head coach, Abel Ferreira, was in charge during the 2022 final loss and will be out for revenge—despite the fact that much of his squad has changed too. Palmeiras haven’t faced many European teams in this tournament, with a draw against Porto being their only experience so far. Since then, they've beaten Al Ahly, drawn with Inter Miami, and edged past Botafogo in extra time.
Given their strong domestic form and confidence heading into this match, Palmeiras won’t be intimidated by Chelsea. All signs point to a high-stakes, tightly contested showdown.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian could get his first real taste of life against Chelsea if he features in this matchup, just before officially joining the Blues after the tournament wraps up.Estevao is one of many new faces in the Palmeiras lineup compared to their 2022 squad. In fact, goalkeeper Weverton is expected to be the only player from that final still in the starting XI this time around.
Gustavo Gomez and Joaquin Piquerez also played in that match but are suspended for this one. Meanwhile, Marcos Rocha and Raphael Veiga are unlikely to start, having fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons.
On the Chelsea side, Nicolas Jackson remains out through suspension. However, they’ve added more attacking firepower with Joao Pedro joining the squad in the U.S. after completing his move from Brighton. Even so, Liam Delap is expected to keep his spot in the starting eleven.
Wesley Fofana is the only first-team player currently sidelined with injury. Reece James, who missed the 2022 final due to a setback, is hoping to stay fit throughout the rest of the tournament.
Right now, Pedro Neto is the standout performer for Chelsea. He’s scored in all three of their matches so far, and with Cole Palmer’s form dipping a bit, Neto’s contributions have become even more important.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Palmeiras possible starting lineup:Weverton; Mayke, Giay, Bruno Fuchs, Vanderlan; Rios, Martinez, Mauricio; Allan, Vitor Roque, Estevao
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; James, Colwill, Badiashile, Cucurella; Enzo, Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Delap, Palmer
EXPERT PREDICTION
Palmeiras 2-3 Chelsea
Palmeiras haven’t lost a game in the tournament so far and will no doubt put up a strong fight. But going up against a Chelsea side packed with big-name talent and resources might be a step too far for a team operating on a much tighter budget.
