One thing common from the Club World Cup final of 2022 between Palmeiras and Chelsea is Abel Ferreira, the manager of the Brazilian side. He will certainly have revenge on his mind, but will need a solid enough performance from his side to beat the UEFA Europa Conference League holders.
Ferreira’s side came through to the quarter-finals after beating fellow Brazilian side, Copa Libertadores champions and Brasiliero winners Botafogo. The victory over their domestic rivals was a big deal for Palmeiras’s supporters, as they must overcome Chelsea to reach the semi-final and remain unbeaten in the competition so far.
Meanwhile, Chelsea came through to the quarter-finals following a controversial round-of-16 clash with Benfica. A clever free-kick from Reece James gave the West Londoners the lead, and with five minutes to go, the game was suspended due to adverse weather conditions as fear of lightning strike delayed the clash for hours together.
The Blues were dealt a blow upon resuming match action, as Benfica were awarded a late penalty, which Angel Di Maria converted to take the game into extra time. An early red card for Gianluca Prestianni some two minutes after extra time began gave Chelsea the advantage.
Chelsea went on to score three more goals, all in the second half of extra time through Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, all within nine minutes. Enzo Maresca was critical of the unwanted delay in the game but will be happy with the final result. The Blues will now aim to reach the semi-finals, and they must overcome Palmeiras in the quarter-final.
Weverton is another one of those apart from manager Abel Ferreira who was part of the Palmeiras side that lost to Chelsea in the 2022 final. The biggest talking point from a Palmeiras point of view will be Estevao Willian, who will face the side he will join after the tournament.
Two more players were part of the 2022 final, Gustavo Gomez and Joaquin Piquerez, but the duo are suspended for this one. Marcos Rocha and Raphael Veiga are also unlikely to start, having dropped down in the pecking order.
Ferreira is only expected to make slight changes to the team that beat Botafogo, as Agustin Giay is expected to replace the suspended Gomez, while Vanderlan will come in place of Piquerez.
Marcos Rocha and Bruno Fuchs will retain their place in the backline as will the midfielders including Mauricio, who will start in the attacking position. Estevao and Allan will support Vitor Roque in the attacking third.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Waverton; Rocha, Giay, Fuchs, Vanderlan; Rios, Martinez; Allan, Mauricio, Estevao; Roque
Enzo Maresca will once again be without striker Nicolas Jackson due to his suspension, while Wesley Fofana is the only other player missing and the one with an injury issue.
While Jackson will be a miss for the Blues, they can call up new signing Joao Pedro, who has arrived at the club from Brighton & Hove Albion. The Brazilian may not start against Palmeiras but will be an option on the bench if needed.
Liam Delap is expected to retain his place in the front line while, Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer offer support in the front three. Maresca might continue with Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill in the backline, while Reece James and Marc Cucurella occupy the full-back spots.
Enzo Fernandez will continue to play in the most advanced role of all midfielders, while Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo hold the fort in the more central areas.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Colwill, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Delap
The Chelsea star needs to come to the party and deliver a substantial performance that fits his reputation. In the three games the Englishman has played so far in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, he has produced all but one assist in the win over Benfica.
A lot more is expected of him if Chelsea are to go on and win the competition. Palmer will have his chance to shine when Chelsea take on Palmeiras, with the attacker certainly one of the most important players for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Palmeiras are still unbeaten in the Club World Cup this time and will want to continue on that run to reach the semi-finals. However, the game against Chelsea is probably their biggest test of character despite the difficulty in beating Botafogo. The Brazilian giants have shown the propensity to be far more open at the back, something the Bleus will exploit.
Chelsea have the right attackers and a strong setup to get over Palmeiras, and Enzo Maresca will want a good enough result that takes them into the semi-finals. Given the growing confidence within the Chelsea camp, one might predict the Premier League giants to go through and beat Palmeiras.
