Chelsea XI vs LAFC: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Club World Cup | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has a smaller squad than others to juggle as tournament begins

Chelsea take on LAFC at the Club World Cup

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

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Chelsea kick-start their Club World Cup campaign against LAFC on Monday.

There will also be a chance for debuts for new signings Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and young goalkeeper Mike Penders, but Sanchez should go fairly strong for this opening game.

Robert Sanchez remains the first-choice goalkeeper despite a concerted effort to sign Mike Maignan in the days and hours before the transfer deadline, and should get the nod behind a strong back line. Marc Cucurella as the only recognised senior left-back in the squad with Ben Chilwell absent, though Levi Colwill should deputise there.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will surely start the opener, with the first-choice front four of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson looking to get the Blues off to a strong start.

Captain Reece James is likely to be saved, while Aaron Anselmino is the sole injury doubt in the travelling squad.

Chelsea will be wary not to underestimate a LAFC team boasting the likes of familiar face Oliver Giroud, and then face Flamengo on Friday before an easier-looking test against ES Tunis on June 25.

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

Injured: Aaron Anselmino

Time and date: 8pm BST on Monday, June 16 2025

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

TV channel and free live stream: Channel 5 (UK) and DAZN (worldwide)