Al Hilal vs Chelsea - Club World Cup semi-final: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
By Tom Gott
Chelsea's quest to win the FIFA Club World Cup will begin on Wednesday when they take on Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal in the semi-final.
The Blues are yet to win this competition, falling short in the 2012 final against Brazilian side Corinthians, but they are looking to complete an international treble under Thomas Tuchel following victories in the Champions League and Super Cup.
They'll first have to get through an Al Hilal side that thumped Al Jazira 6-1 in the second round to book their place in the semis.
Here's all you need to know about the match...
How to watch Al Hilal vs Chelsea on TV/live stream
When is kick off? Wednesday 9 February, 16:30 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
TV channel/live stream? E4/All4 (UK), Fox Sports/fubo TV (US)
Highlights? FIFA YouTube channel
Referee? Cesar Ramos (MEX)
VAR? Mauro Vigliano (ARG)
Al Hilal team news
There will be plenty of familiar faces on show for Al Hilal. Former West Brom star Matheus Pereira is the biggest name and will likely line up in a team with Moussa Marega and Odion Ighalo, formerly of Porto and Manchester United respectively.
There will, however, be no sign of Bafetimbi Gomis, who left to join Galatasaray last month.
Chelsea team news
Right-back Reece James was included in Chelsea's squad for this tournament, but it's unlikely that he'll actually make an appearance while he continues to recover from his thigh injury.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been away with Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal and is yet to link up with the squad. He's not expected to make it in time for this one but should be ready for the final if Chelsea get there.
Mason Mount and Cesar Azpilicueta both picked up knocks against Plymouth in the FA Cup but aren't expected to be out of action for too long. Ruben Loftus-Cheek might not feature after missing the Plymouth game with a knock, while Ben Chilwell remains out.
You can read Chelsea's predicted lineup for the game here.
Chelsea's Club World Cup record
After winning the 2012 Champions League, Chelsea were the obvious favourites to win that year's Club World Cup. They saw off Mexican side Monterrey in the semi-final, roaring to a 3-1 win with goals from Juan Mata and Fernando Torres.
However, the final didn't go to plan.
Corinthians' Paolo Guerrero netted the game's only goal and Gary Cahill was sent off for Chelsea as the Brazilian side took all the glory, with Rafa Benitez's Blues becoming the first Champions League winner not to win the Club World Cup since 2006.
Al Hilal vs Chelsea score prediction
Fourth in the Saudi league, Al Hilal arrive for this game in pretty impressive form. They're unbeaten in their last six games and have lost just once in their last eight matches in all competitions.
That being said, are they better than Chelsea? Tuchel's men will be the favourites in every game they play at this tournament, but despite having the best squad, they haven't been particularly good to watch recently, with their 2-1 win over Plymouth about as tough to watch as they come.
Chelsea should win this, but on recent form, it might not be pretty.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Al Hilal