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🏆 Journey to the Semi-finals
Chelsea (UEFA)
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Navigated past Group D with a win over LAFC, defeat to Flamengo, and a dominant 3–0 win vs. Esperance.
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Knocked out Benfica 4–1 after extra time, then beat Palmeiras 2–1 in the quarter-finals.
Fluminense (CONMEBOL)
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Unbeaten in Group F, with a draw against Dortmund and wins over Ulsan HD and Mamelodi.
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Progressed by defeating Inter Milan 2–0 and taking out Al Hilal 2–1 in the quarter-finals.
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| Cole Palmer, right, scores the first goal for Chelsea against Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, July 4, 2025 |
⚙️ Team News & Key Absences
Chelsea
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Suspended: Liam Delap, Levi Colwill (both due to second yellow cards)
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Injured or doubtful: Romeo Lavia, Benoît Badiashile (injury), Reece James (niggle)
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Back from ban: Moisés Caicedo
Fluminense
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Suspended: Juan Pablo Freytes, Matheus Martinelli (both booked in quarter-final)
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Returning: Thiago Silva, Rene come back after suspension; Otávio remains sidelined with injury
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| Fluminense’s Thiago Silva will suit up against his old club Chelsea in Tuesday’s Club World Cup semifinal |
🔄 Predicted Starting XI
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
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GK: Robert Sánchez
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RB: Malo Gusto; CBs: Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah; LB: Marc Cucurella
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Midfield: Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández
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Attack: Cole Palmer (RW), João Pedro (AM), Pedro Neto (LW); Nicolas Jackson as central striker
Fluminense (3-5-2)
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GK: Fábio
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Back three: Ignacio, Thiago Silva, Fuentes (or René)
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Midfield: Xavier, Hércules, Bernal, Nonato, Rene (or Fuentes)
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Forwards: Jhon Arias, German Cano
🔑 Tactical Battle Zones
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Centre-backs vs. Forwards
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Chelsea’s Chalobah–Adarabioyo pairing will take on Silva’s defensive experience and Arias’s pace.
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Midfield Reset
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Caicedo and Fernández must counter Fluminense’s organised five-man midfield led by Hércules and Nonato.
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Attacking Threats
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Cole Palmer’s creativity and João Pedro’s impact juxtaposed with Fluminense’s counter-attacking duo Arias–Cano .
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The Heat Factor
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The sweltering July conditions (up to 93 °F/34 °C) may influence early performance .
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🌤️ Environmental & Fan Influence
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Midday kickoff in New Jersey may bring thunderstorms, possibly causing delays and affecting match flow.
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Fluminense could benefit from Portuguese-speaking, holiday-weekend support, though Chelsea will count on strong traveling support.
📊 Prediction
This marks the first-ever competitive fixture between Chelsea and Fluminense . With Chelsea the slight favourites, expect a closely contested semi-final—likely finishing 1–0 to Chelsea or narrowly in their favour .
✅ Summary Table
| Topic | Chelsea | Fluminense |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Delap, Colwill | Freytes, Martinelli |
| Key returns | Caicedo, James | Silva, Rene |
| Tactical shape | 4-2-3-1 with Jackson or Pedro up front | 3-5-2 with Silva-led defence |
| Climate challenge | Heat, humidity—may test fitness early on | Potential Brazilian fan momentum |
| Predicted result | Narrow Chelsea win (1–0) | Seeking upset but underdogs |