The FIFA Membership World Cup quarter-final conflict between Chelsea and Palmeiras will function a nostalgic repeat of the 2022 remaining, which noticed Chelsea elevate the trophy due to a dramatic 117th-minute penalty from Kai Havertz, sealing a 2–1 victory in further time.
This time, nevertheless, the stakes are barely totally different. Whereas this match gained’t determine who wins the trophy, it’s simply as essential—a semi-final ticket is on the road, and victory would depart both facet only one sport away from reaching one other Membership World Cup remaining.
It has been a joyride to date for Palmeiras on this yr’s match, however they wanted further time to edge previous fellow Brazilian facet Botafogo 1–0 within the spherical of 16.
Notably, Palmeiras are usually not solely unbeaten within the match; additionally they boast probably the greatest defensive data among the many remaining groups.
Throughout 4 matches, Palmeiras have gained two and drawn two, conceding solely two targets, each in an exhilarating 2–2 draw with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Whereas their defence has been a significant energy, they’ll face their hardest attacking problem but in Chelsea—a staff that has been free-scoring all through the competitors.
The Blues cruised previous Benfica with a 4–1 win within the spherical of 16, netted three targets every towards Esperance of Tunisia and Flamengo, and scored two targets towards Los Angeles FC of their opening fixture.
So whereas Palmeiras are defensively disciplined, their backline might be severely examined by Enzo Maresca’s high-octane Chelsea facet.
Nonetheless, Chelsea come into this conflict with just a few issues. As Softfootball reported, Moises Caicedo will miss this sport as a result of suspension after selecting up a yellow card towards Benfica.
Defender Benoît Badiashile can be a possible absentee as a result of damage.
Palmeiras, on their half, might be with out key gamers Joaquín Piquerez and Gustavo Gómez.
With striker Nicolas Jackson nonetheless serving his red-card suspension, Coach Enzo Maresca is anticipated to stay to his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.
Apparently, Palmeiras’ head coach Abel Ferreira additionally prefers an analogous tactical setup, setting the stage for an intriguing tactical battle.
Softfootball brings some attention-grabbing statistics forward of the conflict.
- Solely 3 of Palmeiras’ final 15 matches have seen each groups rating.
- 3 of their final 4 video games have seen below 3 targets whole.
- Chelsea have scored after half-time in 6 of their final 7 matches.
- All 4 targets Chelsea have conceded on this match got here after the 60-minute mark.
- Pedro Neto has scored in his final three consecutive video games for Chelsea.
- Chelsea are the final English Premier League staff standing within the FIFA Membership World Cup.
With all this in thoughts, followers can count on a tense, high-stakes encounter when the 2 sides conflict on Saturday at Lincoln Monetary Subject in Philadelphia. One staff might be shifting one step nearer to glory, whereas the opposite will see their title goals finish in acquainted firm.
