Chelsea were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo in the Club World Cup group stage and they must tackle another Brazilian team, Palmeiras, in their quarter-final at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia on Friday.
Chelsea lost 3-1 to Flamengo during the Club World Cup group stage and another Brazilian team, Palmeiras, stand in their way of a place in the semi-finals when the two teams meet at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia on Friday.
The Blues were stunned by the concession of three goals in a 22-minute second half spell against Flamengo, who pipped them to top spot in Group D.
Enzo Maresca’s side have responded with a couple of strong performances, including last Saturday’s 4-1 extra-time success over Benfica in the round of 16.
However, the Londoners are facing a tricky test against another strong Brazilian side and their contest with Palmeiras is the subject of a bet builder which, if successful, returns Club World Cup odds of around 9/1 with Betway.
Palmeiras v Chelsea Tips
Blues can seal semi-final spot
Chelsea dealt impressively with a challenging opponent and a two-hour delay in their round of 16 clash with Benfica and they can take another step forward by defeating Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
There is mixed team news for the Blues, who have striker Nicolas Jackson free from suspension, but midfielder Moises Caicedo serving a one-game ban.
However, the Londoners have a strong squad with plenty of competition for places after substitutes Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall got themselves on the scoresheet last weekend.
Palmeiras are quite reliant on a core group of players and their defensive resources are looking stretched with Murilo nursing an injury and Gustavo Gomez and Joaquin Piquerez suspended.
Abel Fernando’s side have kept clean sheets in three of their four matches, but they may struggle to contain Chelsea, who look a solid wager to win without need of extra-time.
Leg 1: Chelsea to win @ 21/20
Confident Neto can make the difference
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca faces a selection dilemma due to Caicedo’s suspension and may be pondering a formation change, with Enzo Fernandez dropping deeper and an extra attacker – probably Noni Madueke – coming into the side.
However, the Blues’ main offensive threat is likely to come from Pedro Neto, who has notched in each of his three Club World Cup appearances.
Neto joined Chelsea from Wolves last summer and had a slightly frustrating season, scoring four goals in 35 Premier League appearances.
However, the 25-year-old has been getting into lots of dangerous positions in recent games and he looks ready to continue his scoring streak.
Leg 2: Pedro Neto to score anytime @ 15/4
Depleted Brazilians to keep things tight
Palmeiras are missing some of their best defenders but their tactical approach is unlikely to change.
They overcame Botafogo with just a 46.7 per cent share of possession and are set to defend deep against the Blues with the aim of staying in the contest for as long as possible.
Three of Palmeiras’ four Club World Cup games have generated less than three goals and another low-scoring encounter looks likely.
Leg 3: Under 3.5 goals @ 1/4
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- Source: https://blog.betway.com/football/club-world-cup-tips-a-91-bet-builder-for-palmeiras-v-chelsea/