Palmeiras vs Chelsea: 2025 FIFA CWC quarterfinal preview, prediction
Palmeiras forward, Estevao Willian (left) with Chelsea’s midfielder Cole Palmer (right). Photo Credit- Evening Standard
Brazilian giants Palmeiras face Premier League powerhouse Chelsea in a blockbuster 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal, a rematch of the 2022 final on Friday, July 4, 2025, 9:00 PM ET (1:00 AM GMT), Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the winner advancing to face Fluminense or Al Hilal in the semifinals. Both teams secured extra-time victories in the Round of 16, with Palmeiras edging Botafogo 1-0 and Chelsea overpowering Benfica 4-1. This clash at Lincoln Financial Field promises a tactical battle between Palmeiras’ defensive resilience and Chelsea’s attacking flair. This piece is set to explore both clubs’ performances, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.
Palmeiras recent performances
Palmeiras topped Group A with five points, drawing 2-2 with Inter Miami, 0-0 with Porto, and winning 2-0 against Al Ahly, before a gritty 1-0 extra-time victory over Botafogo in the Round of 16, with Paulinho’s 110th-minute goal sealing their place. In the 2024/25 Brasileiro Serie A, they finished second, scoring 62 goals in 38 matches, led by Estevao and Vitor Reis. Their defensive solidity, with three clean sheets in four Club World Cup games, highlights their resilience, though a 2-2 draw with Inter Miami exposed vulnerabilities against high-pressing and more experienced sides.
Palmeiras tactical analysis
Abel Ferreira’s 4-4-2, shifting to a 5-3-2 in defense, emphasizes compactness and counter-attacks, averaging 48% possession in the Club World Cup. Richard Rios and Emiliano Martinez anchor midfield, with Estevao key passes and Paulinho’s 3 goals in six games providing flair. Full-backs Piquerez and Giay stretch play, but their high line conceded twice to Inter Miami. Ferreira’s adaptability, block if winning, aggressive if losing could exploit Chelsea’s full-backs, though Estevao’s duel with his future club adds intrigue.
Palmeiras team news and injuries
Palmeiras are without captain Gustavo Gomez, sent off against Botafogo, and defender Murilo, sidelined with a left thigh injury. Anibal Moreno, recovered from a group-stage injury, is available off the bench, while Vitor Reis and Fuchs will start in defense. Estevao, Paulinho, and Roque are confirmed starters, with Ferreira likely to rely on Mauricio’s creativity.
Predicted Palmeiras XI (4-4-2): Weverton; Giay, Reis, Fuchs, Piquerez; Estevao, Rios, Martinez, Mauricio; Paulinho, Roque.
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Chelsea recent form
Chelsea secured Group D’s second spot with six points, beating LAFC 2-0 and ES Tunis 3-0 but losing 3-1 to Flamengo, before a commanding 4-1 extra-time win over Benfica in the Round of 16, with Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto scoring. In the 2024/25 Premier League, they finished fourth, scoring 69 goals in 38 matches, with Palmer and Nicolas Jackson leading the way. Their UEFA Conference League title defense faltered in the semifinals, but their 14 games with four-plus goals under Enzo Maresca show attacking potency, though defensive lapses against Flamengo raise concerns.
Chelsea’s tactical analysis
Enzo Maresca’s 4-2-3-1 prioritizes possession and high pressing, with Enzo Fernandez dropping deeper to cover for Moises Caicedo’s absence. Cole Palmer’s key passes and Pedro Neto’s three consecutive goals drive the attack, while Liam Delap’s physicality anchors the front line. Reece James and Levi Colwill provide defensive solidity, but Marc Cucurella’s forward runs leave gaps, as seen against Flamengo. Chelsea’s one-sided possession, could dominate, but Palmeiras’ counter-attacks pose a threat.
Chelsea team news and injuries
Chelsea face injury concerns, with Benoit Badiashile ruled out after limping off against Benfica, spotted on crutches, and Romeo Lavia doubtful with a knock. Moises Caicedo is confirmed absent, Nicolas Jackson is suspended, and Wesley Fofana remains out. Pedro Neto, mourning Diogo Jota’s death, may opt out, but Joao Pedro, a new signing from Brighton, is set to debut. Trevoh Chalobah will likely partner Colwill in defense, with Palmer and Delap starting, per Standard Sport.Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernández, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Palmer, Joao Pedro; Delap.
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Palmeiras vs Chelsea head-to-head statistics
Palmeiras and Chelsea have met once, in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final, with Chelsea winning 2-1 in extra time via Kai Havertz’s 117th-minute penalty. Chelsea’s record is 1 win, 0 losses, 2 goals scored, and 1 conceded. Palmeiras’ 2-0 group-stage win over Al Ahly and their unbeaten Club World Cup run (2 wins, 2 draws) give them confidence, but Chelsea’s historical edge and 4-1 Benfica rout make them favorites.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea score prediction
Chelsea are favourites in this fixture. Palmeiras’ defensive resilience (3 clean sheets in 4 games) and Estevao’s flair could trouble Chelsea’s depleted defense, but Palmer’s big-game pedigree and Pedro’s threat give Chelsea the edge. Expect a low-scoring game, with Palmeiras under 0.5 goals, but their counter-attacking threat suggests both teams may score.
