Chelsea predicted lineup vs Palmeiras - Club World Cup final
By Tom Gott
Chelsea will once again battle for the Club World Cup title when they meet Palmeiras in the final on Saturday.
The Blues fell at this stage to another Brazilian side, Corinthians, back in 2012 and have had to wait another ten years for a shot at adding the only trophy they have failed to win in the Roman Abramovich era.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has landed in Abu Dhabi after testing negative for Covid-19 and should be in the dugout for the game, and here's how he could set up.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - The AFCON champion is back with the group and will hope to reclaim his spot from the excellent Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has shone in his absence. A tough call for Tuchel to make.
Trevoh Chalobah (CB) - Rested for the semi-final, Chalobah's fresh legs could be needed at the back.
Thiago Silva (CB) - Silva doesn't often play so many games in quick succession but the chances of him being dropped for such a big game are slim to none.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - The permanent fixture. Starts every game when fit.
2. Midfielders
Cesar Azpilicueta (RM) - Reece James is in Abu Dhabi but is not fit enough to play, so expect Azpilicueta to keep his spot. Could become the first Chelsea player to actually win it all.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) - In the form of his life. Absolutely crucial to this team.
Jorginho (CM) - Chelsea's control of the semi-final dipped massively when Jorginho was taken off. One of those players you only really notice when he's not there.
Marcos Alonso (LM) - Kenedy's failure to make it off the bench in the semi-final suggests Tuchel doesn't really have many plans for him, so this is still Alonso's position to lose.
Kai Havertz (AM) - Brought some moments of magic to the Al Hilal game but looks a little rusty. Needs an extended run of games.
Hakim Ziyech (AM) - Ziyech has been one of the team's better players recently. His movement and crossing could be crucial against a tough Palmeiras defence.
3. Forward
Romelu Lukaku (ST) - Netted the winner against Al Hilal but still doesn't look anywhere near his best. Deserves another chance to try and get there.