FIFA Club World Cup: Chelsea vs. LAFC Picks — EPL Giants to Overpower MLS Rivals? (Jun 16)

Enzo Maresca enjoyed an excellent first season at Stamford Bridge after leading Chelsea back into the Champions League and winning the Europa Conference League.

The Blues will be widely expected to progress from Group D at the new-look FIFA Club World Cup, and their opening night assignment will see them take on LAFC.

However, LAFC have avoided defeat in their last five matches across all competitions.

Chelsea vs. LAFC Overview

Odds

Chelsea vs. LAFC Head-to-Head Record

Chelsea and LAFC will be colliding for the first time in a competitive fixture on Monday.

Key Stats

• Chelsea previously won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022, becoming just the third English team to win the honor.
• LAFC secured their place in the competition after overcoming Club America in a dramatic playoff in Los Angeles last month.

Chelsea Team News

Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix have both been axed from the travelling squad for Chelsea. However, new signings Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr could be handed first starts in Atlanta on Monday.

Possible Lineup

D. Sanchez (GK); R. James, T. Chalobah, L. Colwill, M. Cucurella, M. Caicedo, E. Fernandez, P. Neto, C. Palmer, N. Madueke, L. Delap

LAFC Team News

LAFC have no injury concern ahead of this clash.

Possible Lineup

H. Lloris (GK); S. Palencia, Marlon, E. Segura, R. Hollingshead, I. Jesus, Y. Yeboah, T. Tillman, M. Delgado, D. Bouanga, O. Giroud

Chelsea vs. LAFC Picks

LAFC’s form heading into this summer’s Club World Cup is a huge plus, and their versatility and dynamism in the final third could cause Chelsea issues.

However, the Blues have been improving at a rapid rate under Maresca, and the addition of Delap adds a fresh input to their attacking line. The Premier League club look to be the standout pick on matchday one.