Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the opening matches of the Club World Cup will take place on Monday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Chelsea will face Los Angeles FC. Here’s a betting tip for the outcome of this clash with an attractive odds value.
Match preview
London’s Chelsea arrive at the Club World Cup as one of the favorites, not just in their group but for the entire tournament. Under Vincenzo Maresca, the team has found a balance between aggression and control, showcasing top-class football in their recent outings. The 4-1 victory over Real Betis was yet another testament to the maturity of this squad, where every line works in harmony.
Italian boss Maresca has managed to set up the Blues so they attack with confidence and rarely leave gaps at the back. In their last five matches, the team has netted over 15 goals, underlining their attacking prowess. At the same time, solid defensive play allows them to control the tempo, dictate the style, and prevent opponents from opening up.
For Los Angeles, motivation is sky-high — this is their chance to make a name for themselves on the world stage. The team is unbeaten in five matches, and their most recent win over Sporting Kansas (3-1) only boosted their self-belief. They enter the tournament in peak form, and despite the obvious difference in class with Chelsea, writing off the Americans would be a mistake.
The Black-and-Gold’s main weapon is their cohesive front three and their ability to quickly adapt to different styles. Despite being underdogs, LAFC know how to score and capitalize on chances in dynamic matches. Team spirit, athleticism, and attacking mobility make them dangerous — especially if Chelsea’s game plan falters at any point.
Probable lineups
- Chelsea: Jorgensen, Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
- Los Angeles FC: Lloris, Palencia, Marlon, Long, Hollingshead, Jesus, Delgado, Tillman, Martinez, Ebobisse, Bouanga
Match facts and head-to-head:
- This is the first official meeting between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC
- Both teams are unbeaten in their last five matches: Chelsea — 4 wins, LAFC — 3 wins and 2 draws.
- Both teams to score has hit in four of LAFC’s last five games
Prediction
Despite LAFC’s fighting spirit, Chelsea look the more balanced and mature side. The English club consistently wins by comfortable margins and displays high-quality football all over the pitch. Los Angeles FC may find a chance for a goal, but keeping up with Chelsea’s pace over the full 90 minutes will be a tall order. Expect an entertaining match but with a predictable outcome — Chelsea to win with a -1.5 handicap at odds of 1.83.
