Champions League winners and Premier League Chelsea will battle Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras of Brazil in the Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Chelsea pipped Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal 1-0 in their semi-final on Wednesday, while Palmeiras got the better of Egyptian giants Al-Ahly 2-0 to reach the final.
The Blues booked their spot in this year’s Club World Cup by winning their second Champions League title, beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final in Porto as Kai Havertz netted the only goal of the game.
And if they manager to overcome Palmeiras, they will become the third English club to win the FIFA Club World Cup, and will emulate the feat achieved by Manchester United in 2008 and Liverpool in 2019.
In the 2008 final, United edged L.D.U Quito of Ecuador 1-0 while Liverpool also pipped Flamengo 1-0 in the 2019 final.
Chelsea will become the eight European club to win the tournament and the 11th club in the world to land the trophy.
Palmeiras, who are 10-time Brazilian champions, will look to end their nation’s 10-year wait for a Club World Cup triumph.
The last Brazilian and South American club to win the competition was Corinthians in 2012 when they Chelsea 1-0 in the final.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will remain without full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell, with the duo joining the camp despite ongoing injuries, while Mason Mount was fit to feature off the bench against Al-Hilal.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy also returned to the squad after a triumphant Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Senegal, although Spanish stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga impressed in his absence in the Premier League and with a clean sheet last time out and should again be given the nod.
The Blues will likely avoid making many changes from Wednesday’s victory, with Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech again expected to flank Romelu Lukaku, who netted the winner in the semi-final.
After a strong showing of their own, Palmeiras could also field an unchanged side, with Raphael Veiga and Dudu again set to play key roles going forward after their goals in the semi-final.
Luan and Paraguay international Gustavo Gomez form a strong centre-back pairing, with Danilo and Ze Rafael providing further cover at the base of midfield.
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