Chelsea will secure a place in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup, provided they avoid defeat against espérance sportive de tunis in Tuesday’s decisive Group D encounter in Philadelphia.
Chelsea appeared to be on course for a second consecutive win in the competition after Pedro Neto’s well-taken breakaway goal gave them a first-half lead. However, lapses in concentration at the back cost them dearly, as they conceded twice in the space of three minutes early in the second half. Just moments later, the situation worsened with Nicolas Jackson’s reckless challenge leading to a red card.
Wallace Yan’s late strike ultimately sealed the win for Flamengo, but the spotlight remained on Jackson’s dismissal his second red card in just six weeks, following an earlier sending-off for an elbow on Newcastle’s Sven Botman in the Premier League. To make matters worse, the incident came on his 24th birthday, adding to the frustration for both player and club.
Tactical Insight: Chelsea vs ES Tunis
Chelsea are expected to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game, operating in their familiar 4-2-3-1 system. With Moisés Caicedo sitting deep alongside Enzo Fernández, the Blues will look to build through midfield, using the creativity of Cole Palmer and the pace of Pedro Neto to stretch the Tunisian defence. Chelsea’s full-backs, particularly Reece James, will push high to provide width, while Delap leads the line in the absence of the suspended Nicolas Jackson.
Defensively, Chelsea’s concentration remains a concern after their collapse against Flamengo. The back four will need to be disciplined, especially against ES Tunis’s threat on the counter-attack.
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ES Tunis, meanwhile, are expected to set up compact and look to frustrate Chelsea. Their game plan will likely revolve around defending deep, staying organised, and hitting quickly in transition. The experience of Youcef Belaili in attack gives them a creative edge, while Rodrigo provides a physical presence upfront. They will also look to exploit set-piece situations, an area where Chelsea have shown vulnerability.
Prediction
ES Tunis 1-2 Chelsea
ES Tunis – Possible Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Ben Said
Defenders: Ben Ali, Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida
Midfielders: Mokwana, Guenichi, Ogbelu, Konate
Forwards: Belaili, Rodrigo
Chelsea – Possible Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Sanchez
Defenders: James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella
Midfielders: Caicedo, Fernandez
Attacking Midfielders/Wingers: Madueke, Palmer, Neto
Striker: Delap
