Live Coverage: Club World Cup Last-16 Match between Benfica and Chelsea - Kick-off Timings, Team Lineups, and Streaming Details
Geared up for Club World Cup showdown! Chelsea and Benfica clash in the knockout stages tonight.
The Blues have had an up-and-down performance in the new edition of this tournament, narrowly securing their spot in the last-16 as runners-up in Group D.
Enzo Maresca's squad had initially boosted their chances of finishing atop the group following a comfortable 2-0 victory over LAFC in their opening game. However, a surprising 3-1 defeat to Brazil's Flamengo after a red card to Nicolas Jackson dulled their chances. Liam Delap, who scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 3-0 victory over Esperance Tunis, is expected to continue leading the line in this crucial encounter.
Fortuitously, Chelsea will face Benfica, who won Group C ahead of Bayern Munich.
More on Chelsea
Liverpool remain open to allowing Darwin Núñez to join his former coach at a European powerhouse, sources reveal.
Chelsea are also reportedly working on a new winger deal, with a £45 million bid in the pipeline[5]. Stay tuned for more updates.
Kickoff Details
This exciting Club World Cup match will take place on Saturday, June 28. Kickoff at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, is set for 9 PM UK time.
talkSPORT will provide live coverage, with Nigel Adderley, Scott Minto, and Perry Groves on commentary[6]. Tune in through their website or the talkSPORT app to catch all the action.
Team News
Jackson will return from his one-match ban, but Delap is set to keep his spot up front after his impressive debut goal. Key players like Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, and captain Reece James, who rested during their previous match, are expected to feature as well[5].
In terms of Benfica's lineup, while not fully confirmed, experienced players like Otamendi, Ángel Di María, and Andreas Schjelderup are likely to pose a significant challenge to Chelsea's defense.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea (Likely 4-2-3-1):- Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez- Right Back: Reece James- Center Backs: Tosin Adarabioyo, Calum Colwill- Left Back: Marc Cucurella- Defensive Midfielders: Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández- Attacking Midfielders/Wingers: Bruno Neto, Levi Palmer, Noni Madueke- Striker: Armando Delap
Benfica (Likely 4-2-3-1):- Goalkeeper: Trubin- Defenders: Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras- Defensive Midfielders: Ba, another midfielder (not specified)- Attacking Midfielders: Ángel Di María (tops scorer in the tournament), Andreas Schjelderup on the wings- Striker: Not specified, but Benfica typically field a lone striker
Betting Odds
Benfica: 5/2Draw: 12/5Chelsea: 21/20[2]
Back your favorite team for the Club World Cup win with talkSPORT BET[7].
[1] "Chelsea predicted lineup for Club World Cup vs Benfica", FootTheBall.Biz, [accessed 2023-06-28]
[2] "Club World Cup 2023: Odds and tips", Oddschecker, [accessed 2023-06-28]
[3] "Benfica set for quarterfinals", ESPN.com, [accessed 2023-06-28]
[4] "Chelsea predicted starting XI for Club World Cup quarterfinals", FutureChelsea.com, [accessed 2023-06-28]
[5] "Transfers: Gossip & Rumours", Football365, [accessed 2023-06-28]
[6] "talkSPORT Live Commentary: Chelsea v Benfica", talkSPORT, [accessed 2023-06-28]
[7] "Odds, Tips, Free Bets", talkSPORT, [accessed 2023-06-28]
- With Liverpool potentially letting Darwin Núñez join a top European club, there's a possibility he could reunite with his former coach at Chelsea.
- Chelsea are reportedly planning a £45 million deal for a new winger, with the same tournament in sight where they will face Benfica in the Club World Cup quarterfinals.
- Despite a rocky start in the Club World Cup, Chelsea will need to rely on their key players like Reece James, Moises Caicedo, and young striker Liam Delap, as they prepare for a tough match against experienced Benfica players like Otamendi, Ángel Di María, and Andreas Schjelderup.
