Benfica and Chelsea face each other in a crucial game in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which is decisive in determining their intentions in the competition. Here is a look at the confirmed lineups for both sides.
After a surprising victory over Bayern Munich, Benfica secured their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. They will now face Chelsea. Although they remain undefeated heading into the game, the English side presents a formidable challenge as the Portuguese side have never beaten Chelsea in previous encounters. Additionally, the Blues boast a stellar squad that could prove challenging for the Portuguese team.
Despite entering the game as underdogs, Benfica have remained competitive in the tournament. An ideal mix of veterans and promising young players like Andreas Schjelderup and Leandro Barreiro have significantly impacted their success. Moreover, coach Bruno Lage has crafted a solid defensive strategy, which could play a crucial role against the English team.
Chelsea arrive as clear favorites in this Round of 16 duel due to the considerable difference in squad depth. While Benfica lack world-class players, the Blues feature stars like Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer, who can be game-changers. Additionally, Chelsea can rely on a deep and talented bench to alter the game’s dynamics if necessary.
Benfica predicted lineups vs Chelsea
Unlike the previous game, Benfica will have the return of Italian Andrea Belotti and Spaniard Alvaro Carreras, who were suspended a red card and accumulated yellow cards, respectively. With this, they would have many more options from the bench. However, they will be without star defensive midfielder Florentino Luis for the third consecutive game, after an injury in the competition debut against Boca Juniors.
With this in mind, Benfica could start as follows against Chelsea: Anatoliy Trubin; Fredik Aursnes, Antonio Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Alvaro Carreras; Leandro Barreiro, Renato Sanchez; Angel di Maria, Gianluca Prestianni, Andreas Schjelderup; Vangelis Pavlidis.
Chelsea predicted lineups vs Benfica
Like Benfica, Chelsea have one player unavailable for the Round of 16 game: Nicolas Jackson. Therefore, young Englishman Liam Delap could return to the starting lineup. With no additional absentees, coach Enzo Marezca could field his all-star team with his star midfield of Enzo Fernandez-Moises Caicedo for the game against the Portuguese team.
For this reason, the Blues could field the following starting eleven against the Portuguese team: Filip Jorgensen; Reece James; Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto; Liam Delap.
From: bolavip.com
