Chelsea vs LAFC Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | FIFA Club World Cup

• Competition: FIFA Club World Cup
• Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 7:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Chelsea are set to take on Los Angeles FC in their first match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at one of the most famous venues in the United States, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, on Monday evening. The Club World Cup has entered a new phase, with the tournament now scheduled to be held every four years. Top clubs from all over the world will be involved, leading to some highly anticipated matchups. The Chelsea vs LAFC fixture, slated to take place in Atlanta, is expected to draw a massive crowd.

Chelsea will be delighted with how the recent matches have played out. Enzo Maresca's men have managed five victories and one defeat in the last six games. The Blues managed to close out the season with a string of positive results, which eventually confirmed a place in the next season's Champions League. Chelsea also lifted the Conference League trophy, ending a long drought of silverware. Fans will be aware that a lot of work still needs to be done in order for the club to get back to its iconic shape, but they should be happy with the progress so far under the Italian coach.

LAFC will also be content with its latest outcomes. In the last six outings, the California-based side has accumulated three victories and as many draws. During this period, LAFC has scored 15 goals while conceding only eight. LAFC currently remains in the fifth spot in the Western Conference in the Major League Soccer with 26 points, nine points off the summit. The team has several stars across positions and can prove to be a major threat for any European outfit competing at the Club World Cup. LAFC has scored 1.9 goals per game in the MLS this year, which is the fifth highest.

Chelsea Team News

Omari Kellyman (Hamstring Injury) and Wesley Fofana (Muscle Injury) will not be available for Chelsea on Monday. Chelsea did try to sign a couple of key players ahead of the Club World Cup, including Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens. However, the club could not materialize any of those potential deals and needs to feature at the Club World Cup with the same Premier League squad.

LAFC Team News

LAFC will have to deal with the threat of the Chelsea squad without the services of Cengiz Under, who is recovering from a leg injury. Los Angeles has mostly played with the 4-3-3 formation this year. The club has been involved in Major League Soccer regularly in recent times, which has allowed them to gain momentum.

Chelsea vs LAFC Predicted Lineups

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1):

Goalkeeper: Jorgensen

Defenders: Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella

Midfielders: Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Fernandez, Madueke

Forwards: Jackson

LAFC Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Lloris

Defenders: Palencia, Segura, Marlon, Hollingshead

Midfielders: Jesus, Delgado, Tillman

Forwards: Yeboah, Ebobisse, Bouanga

Chelsea vs LAFC H2H Record

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides. Both clubs will be eager to leave a mark on this fixture.

Key Players to Watch in Chelsea vs LAFC

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

The Club World Cup will be an occasion for several top players to take the centre stage. For Chelsea, that player will be none other than Cole Palmer. The Englishman has emerged as a superstar with his consistent performance over the last two seasons, being a go-to man for the Blues. Enzo Maresca has been clever enough to build his side around the former Manchester City player, and Palmer has made sure to repay that faith. He has registered 15 goals and 11 assists this season.

Olivier Giroud (LAFC)

The LA FC attack will be spearheaded by the former Chelsea forward, Olivier Giroud. Giroud, who remains the all-time leading scorer for the French national team, is known for his decorated spell with the London-based club, winning the Champions League in 2021. Giroud, who has also represented Arsenal in the Premier League, decided to join the MLS during the twilight of his career. He has scored three goals and provided two assists this year. Giroud might not begin the game against Chelsea, but he will be expected to make a significant impact from the bench.

Chelsea vs LAFC Prediction

Chelsea are expected to have the upper hand, going up against the American club, LAFC. The Blues have been in good form and will be keen to begin the Club World Cup campaign with a victory.

Predicted Score: Chelsea 4-0 LAFC

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