We look ahead to this thrilling quarter-final clash at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with our Palmeiras vs Chelsea prediction. Who will take a step closer to the title and book their place in the semi-finals?
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Palmeiras vs Chelsea: Preview
With Manchester City bowing out in the previous round, Chelsea stand as the Premier League’s sole representative at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. City’s shock elimination at the hands of Al-Hilal, coupled with Inter Milan’s defeat to Fluminense, has seemingly cleared Chelsea’s path to the final—at least on paper.
However, football rarely follows the script. Brazilian sides have shown their mettle in this tournament, refusing to be underestimated. Fluminense’s triumph over Inter on Monday marked the third win for Brazilian clubs over European opposition at this edition of the Club World Cup—surpassing their two defeats so far.
Palmeiras will aim to add to that tally when they clash with Chelsea on Friday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with a coveted semi-final spot up for grabs.
This will be the second time these clubs face off, with their previous encounter coming in the 2021 Club World Cup final—where Chelsea edged past Palmeiras 2-1 after extra time. But the Brazilian giants could pose a stiffer challenge this time. Their narrow 1-0 extra-time win over Botafogo in the previous round marked their 10th clean sheet in their last 14 matches across all competitions, a defensive streak that dates back to April 30.
Chelsea, meanwhile, need no reminder of the threat posed by Brazilian teams. In the group stage, they were stunned 3-1 by Flamengo, despite Pedro Neto giving them the early advantage.
Neto has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers in this tournament. The Portuguese winger enters the Palmeiras clash on a hot streak, having scored in three straight matches for the first time in his senior club career. Prior to this run, he had managed just three goals in his last 30 appearances across all competitions for the Blues.
Moisés Caicedo has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers in the tournament, topping the squad in possession recoveries (20), tackles (12), and duels won (22). However, he will be unavailable for this match after picking up his second yellow card of the competition during the 4-1 win over Benfica. Chelsea will also be without Benoît Badiashile, who sustained an injury in the same game. On the brighter side, Enzo Maresca is set to welcome back Nicolas Jackson following the completion of his two-match suspension.
Meanwhile, João Pedro—recently signed from Brighton for a reported £60 million—has been included in the squad and could make his debut in this quarter-final encounter.
Palmeiras will be without their skipper Gustavo Gómez, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the previous round against Botafogo. Joaquín Piquerez will also miss out, having picked up his second yellow card of the tournament during that same match.
One player Chelsea fans will be watching closely is Estêvão—not just for the threat he brings on the pitch, but also because he’s set to join the Blues after the tournament. The dynamic youngster has been involved in more open-play sequences (16) and contributed to more shots (16 – 8 attempts, 8 chances created) than any other Palmeiras player at the Club World Cup, making him a potential thorn in the side of his future club.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea: Head-to-Head
This marks just the second encounter between the two clubs, with their first coming in the 2021 Club World Cup final. Chelsea triumphed 2-1 in that closely contested match, with goals from Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz bookending a 64th-minute penalty by Raphael Veiga. The game was ultimately decided in extra time.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea: Recent Form
- Palmeiras: DWDW
- Chelsea: WLWW
Palmeiras vs Chelsea: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Palmeiras – Team News
Palmeiras will be without key defensive leader Gustavo Gómez, who is suspended following his dismissal in their hard-fought 1-0 win over Botafogo in the Round of 16.
Adding to their selection concerns, full-back Joaquín Piquerez is also ruled out after accumulating two bookings during the tournament.
All eyes will be on rising star Estêvão, the Brazilian winger set to join Chelsea in a £29 million move next month. This fixture offers him a unique opportunity to go head-to-head with his future club.
Another player to watch is Paulinho, who has been carefully managed throughout the competition as he returns from a tibia stress fracture. Despite limited minutes, the winger has made notable contributions off the bench in back-to-back matches and could be in contention for a starting role.
Palmeiras became the first team to secure a quarter-final berth after surviving a physically demanding all-Brazilian encounter against Botafogo. Head coach Abel Ferreira has rotated his squad effectively, with substitutes netting four of their five goals so far. While Paulinho has played a decisive role, Ferreira indicated the winger will continue to be used sparingly due to an upcoming leg surgery, keeping him likely on the bench once again.
Palmeiras – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Weverton
- Defenders – Piquerez, Fuchs, Micael, Giay
- Midfielders – Martínez, Ríos, Maurício
- Forwards – Estêvão, Allan, Vitor Roque
Chelsea – Team News
Chelsea were dealt a blow in their Round of 16 triumph over Benfica, with defender Benoît Badiashile sustaining an injury that saw him leave the stadium on crutches—ruling him out of the upcoming clash with Palmeiras.
Midfield anchor Moisés Caicedo will also be unavailable, having incurred a suspension following his second booking of the tournament in that same match.
Manager Enzo Maresca faces a selection dilemma as he looks to reshuffle his lineup for this crucial quarter-final, with young midfielder Andrey Santos among those pushing for a spot in the starting XI.
The Premier League side booked their place in the last eight after a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica in Charlotte. Reece James opened the scoring in regulation time, before Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struck in the added period to seal the win.
One major positive for Chelsea is the return of forward Nicolas Jackson, who is now eligible to play after completing his two-match suspension.
Chelsea – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Sanchez
- Defenders –Gusto, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella
- Midfielders – James, Lavia, Fernandez
- Forwards – Palmer, Pedro Neto, Delap
Palmeiras vs Chelsea: Prediction
This matchup is finely balanced, with both sides boasting plenty of talent across the pitch.
However, Palmeiras might just have the upper hand, thanks to their blend of South American flair and tournament experience—especially against a youthful Chelsea team that will be without the calming presence of Moisés Caicedo in midfield.
Score Prediction: Palmeiras 2-1 Chelsea
When and Where to Watch Palmeiras vs Chelsea LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
Catch Palmeiras vs Chelsea and every 2025 Club World Cup Quarter-Final match live for free on DAZN from 6:30 AM IST on Saturday, July 5 at the Lincoln Financial Field, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
If you’re already a DAZN user — whether on a paid plan or a free account — the tournament is included in your subscription.
New to DAZN? Simply sign up with your email to create a free account and start streaming.
Download the DAZN app on your smart TV, smartphone, tablet, gaming console, or streaming device to watch anytime, anywhere.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea: Squads
Palmeiras
Mateus, Marcos Rocha, Bruno Fuchs, Agustín Giay, Aníbal Moreno, Vanderlan, Felipe Anderson, Richard Ríos, Vitor Roque, Paulinho, Mayke, Micael, Marcelo Lomba, Gustavo Gómez, Facundo Torres, Mauricio, Weverton, Joaquín Piquerez, Raphael Veiga, Murilo, Lucas Evangelista, Luighi, Emiliano Martínez, Kaiky Naves, Thalys, Allan, Estêvão, José Manuel López, Luiz Benedetti.
Head Coach: Abel Ferreira
Chelsea
Robert Sánchez, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Liam Delap, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Filip Jörgensen, Dário Essugo, Nicolas Jackson, Andrey Santos, Christopher Nkunku, Mamadou Sarr, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Moisés Caicedo, Malo Gusto, Aarón Anselmino, Tyrique George, Josh Acheampong, Marc Guiu, Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina, Roméo Lavia.
Head Coach: Enzo Maresca
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FAQs
When is the Palmeiras vs Chelsea quarter-final at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
The match is scheduled to take place from 6:30 AM IST on Saturday, July 5 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Why is Moisés Caicedo unavailable for Chelsea?
Caicedo is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament in the win over Benfica.
Will Estêvão play against Chelsea?
Yes, Estêvão is expected to feature for Palmeiras before joining Chelsea after the tournament.
Who is returning to the Chelsea squad for this match?
Striker Nicolas Jackson is back in contention after serving a two-match suspension.
What was the result the last time Palmeiras faced Chelsea?
Chelsea defeated Palmeiras 2-1 after extra time in the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup final.
