The Premier League giants take on one of the best teams from the MLS.
Chelsea return to the centre of the international stage after winning the UEFA Conference League 2024/25. They are now looking for another title as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off. Their first opponents will be Los Angeles FC, who arrive with momentum after progressing from the play-ins and are dreaming of upsetting the European giants.
The match will be played on Tuesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a venue that promises noise, pace, and tension from the first pass. The Englishmen arrive with a revamped squad but with the same hunger. Their young stars have made steady steps forward during the European season, and now they want to consolidate that growth against a team that possesses speed, physicality, and good qualities with the ball at their feet.
The Californian side, with a less famous name but a lot of desire, will be looking to make things uncomfortable with high pressing and quick transitions. They have less experience, but that does not guarantee anything.
Enzo Maresca wants no surprises. Chelsea have stumbled too many times in short tournaments in previous years and don’t want to start this one with doubts. On the other side, LAFC are playing without pressure.
That contrast could set the pace for a nervy duel. The Conference League champions are bound to win, but in these tournaments, the lineup doesn’t always guarantee a result.
Kick-off:
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 AM IST
- Referee:
- VAR: In Use
Form:
Chelsea (in all competitions): W-W-W-L-W
LAFC (in all competitions): W-D-D-W-D
Players to Watch Out For:
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Palmer is emerging as the key player in the Chelsea eleven. He comes into this tournament on the back of an outstanding campaign in which he took on attacking responsibility without hiding. The Englishman has pace, goals, and vision in his arsenal.
From the midfield, he can make the difference with precise passes or quick combinations. His understanding with Jackson and Madueke is improving match by match. Palmer’s pace will be decisive against a defence that could leave spaces.
Maresca is relying on him as a mastermind and executor. If the ball goes through his feet, Chelsea will find clarity. He has personality, and that matters a lot on nights like this. The Englishman’s influence can shape the destiny of the match.
Denis Bouanga (LAFC):
Bouanga is the player who can break down the English order. His dribbling skills and his accuracy of taking shots from outside the box make him a real threat. He doesn’t hide; he faces and shoots with determination.
The LAFC man usually starts on the left but floats all over the front. He has a nose for goal, and he also drags markers. In transitions, Bouanga’s speed can be punishing if Chelsea get disorganised.
Hugo Lloris and the defensive line will be looking for solidity, but the main impact will come from what Bouanga does in the final meters. If he finds space, he can punish mercilessly. LAFC need inspiration, and this player usually responds on the big stage.
Match Facts:
- Champions of England on six occasions, Chelsea have won nine European trophies, including the UEFA Champions League twice. Their most recent success in 2021 earned them a place in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
- LAFC were the last team to book their ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, earning the 32nd spot courtesy of a dramatic extra-time goal from Denis Bouanga in a thrilling comeback victory against Club América in the Play-In match on 31 May 2025.
- LAFC striker Olivier Giroud played for Chelsea from January 2018 to June 2021, scoring 39 goals in 119 appearances. He was the competition’s top scorer in the club’s 2018/19 UEFA Europa League triumph, with 11 goals, the last of those coming in the final, a 4-1 win against his former club Arsenal, where he played from 2012-18. He was an unused substitute when Chelsea won the 2021 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City.
Chelsea vs LAFC: Betting Tips and Odds
- Chelsea to Win & Over 2.5 Goals: 2.12 as per 1xBet.
- Both Teams to Score: 1.85 as per 1xBet.
- Cole Palmer Anytime Goalscorer: 1.75 as per 1xBet.
Injuries and Team News:
Fofana is the only injured player for Chelsea, and LAFC have a fully fit squad.
Head-to-Head Stats:
This will be the first instance that these teams will face each other.
Predicted Starting Lineup:
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
LAFC Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Lloris; Palencia, Long, Segura, Hollingshead; Tillman, Jesus, Delgado; Martinez, Giroud, Bouanga
Match Prediction:
Chelsea are favourites on the basis of squad, experience, and competitive rhythm. They have more quality in every line and a coach who has already worked in this type of match. If they control the midfield with Caicedo and Enzo, they will be able to impose their dominance from minute one.
In addition, Palmer is in a great run of form. LAFC will depend on Bouanga’s inspiration and defensive organisation. However, the physical and technical differences could weigh in the second half. The set piece is also in the English team’s favour. If they don’t make any silly mistakes, they should manage the match with authority from start to finish.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 LAFC
Telecast Details:
India: DAZN
UK: DAZN & Channel 5
US: DAZN, TNT Sports, TelevisaUnivision
Nigeria: DAZN, StarTimes Sports
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