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

Joao Pedro is in contention to make his Chelsea debut after joining from Brighton

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

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Chelsea could hand a debut to Joao Pedro in their Club World Cup quarter-final tie against Palmeiras.

Pedro completed his £60m transfer from Brighton earlier in the week, and has been added to the Blues’ squad having been signed before the new registration deadline.

The Brazilian trained with his new teammates on Wednesday but is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench as fellow summer signing Liam Delap is expected to lead the line once again.

This is despite Nicolas Jackson being available for selection after serving a two-match ban for his red card in the group stage loss to Flamengo - Chelsea’s only loss in the tournament so far.

Therefore, Enzo Maresca could opt for the same attack that started the round of 16 win against Benfica with Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer offering support to Delap from the flanks.

However, there is a decision to make regarding Enzo Fernandez’s role against the Brazilians.

As Moises Caicedo is absent due to suspension after he picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the extra-time win over Benfica, the Argentine could drop deeper alongside Romeo Lavia which would allow for an attacking midfielder to start.

Enzo Maresca must pick a Chelsea team without the suspended Moises Caicedo

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Alternatively, Maresca could keep Fernandez high up and turn to captain Reece James in central midfield like he has done previously.

In defence, Benoit Badiashile limped off against Benfica and was later spotted on crutches, making him a major doubt for the quarter-final showdown with Trevoh Chalobah on standby to partner Levi Colwill.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; James, Lavia; Neto, Fernandez, Palmer; Delap

Doubts: Badiashile

Suspended: Caicedo

Time and date: 2am BST on Saturday July 4, 2025

How to watch: DAZN

Venue: Lincoln Financial Field