Flamengo vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Latest Team News and TV Watching Guide | OneFootball

Flamengo vs Chelsea: Can Maresca’s Blues Outfox the Brazilian Giants at the FIFA Club World Cup?

Chelsea return to action in the FIFA Club World Cup with a clash that promises both spectacle and sentiment. Their next opponents, Flamengo, boast a formidable domestic record and are managed by former Stamford Bridge favourite Filipe Luís, adding a compelling subplot to this high-stakes encounter in Philadelphia.

Chelsea Eye Momentum under Maresca

Fresh from a composed 2-0 victory over LAFC, Chelsea are showing early signs of cohesion under Enzo Maresca. Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez ensured the west London side began their Club World Cup campaign with authority. New arrival Liam Delap was particularly effective, registering an assist with a pinpoint cross that Fernandez buried with a deft header. Delap’s performance has fuelled speculation that he may start against Flamengo, perhaps displacing Nicolas Jackson.

Photo: IMAGO

Another debutant, Dario Essugo, also left a positive impression in limited minutes, giving Maresca more tactical options as Chelsea navigate a congested summer fixture list. Depending on other group results, a second straight win could all but seal their progression to the Round of 16.

Flamengo’s Quiet Dominance

While Chelsea are building rhythm, Flamengo arrive in stellar form. The Rio giants sit atop Brazil’s Série A after 11 games and have gone unbeaten in 15 of their last 16 fixtures. Their defensive record is particularly eye-catching — seven clean sheets in eight matches — a testament to Filipe Luís’s methodical approach since taking over as head coach.

The club recently added former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho to their ranks, following his departure from Arsenal. His experience in high-pressure matches and familiarity with English opposition could provide Flamengo with an edge in midfield battles, particularly against Fernandez and Andrey Santos, who is expected to get minutes off the bench.

Tactical Tweaks and Selection Dilemmas

Maresca is unlikely to rotate heavily but may consider bringing in Trevoh Chalobah to partner Levi Colwill in central defence. Tosin Adarabioyo started against LAFC but could make way for fresh legs against a sharper Flamengo attack. Delap’s sharpness may also prompt a tactical shift, allowing Jackson to come off the bench if needed.

There’s also the prospect of Mamadou Sarr featuring, especially if Chelsea establish early control. With Flamengo’s counter-attacking threat and physicality in wide areas, Maresca’s setup will need to balance structure and adaptability.

Where to Watch and Match Details

Kick-off time: 7pm BST, Friday 20 June 2025Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaLive stream: Available via channel5.com and DAZN.com (free)TV coverage: Not broadcast live on UK televisionLive blog: Standard Sport will provide real-time match coverage online

Prediction: Tactical Battle with Fine Margins

Chelsea’s technical edge and depth in squad should prove decisive, although Flamengo’s defensive discipline and continuity give them a legitimate claim. It will be a clash of philosophies — Maresca’s high-possession control versus Flamengo’s compact structure and incisive breaks.

Given Chelsea’s recent run of four straight wins across all competitions, including a dominant 4-1 Conference League final performance, they enter with confidence and momentum. Still, it may come down to small margins. Expect a tight contest with flashes of individual brilliance on both sides.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Flamengo