The FIFA Club World Cup Group D encounter between Chelsea and Esperance de Tunis will take place on June 24.Here is the prediction of this match.
Chelsea’s Approach
Chelsea, despite rotation due to extreme heat (forecast 37.8°C) and a grueling 60-game season, will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 system. With Nicolas Jackson suspended and Reece James doubtful, manager Enzo Maresca may start Christopher Nkunku and new signing Delap upfront. The midfield trio of Enzo Fernández, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer will aim to dominate possession (expected 65%+ possesion), using short passes to mitigate heat-related fatigue. Palmer’s role as a right-sided inverted winger, combined with Nkunku’s off-the-ball movement, could exploit Esperance’s high line.
Esperance’s Strategy
Esperance, needing a win to advance, will rely on their trademark 4-3-3 defensive counter-attacking system. With star striker Youcef Belaïli suspended, Algerian forward Saad Bguir and Brazilian Rodrigo Rodrigues will spearhead the attack, focusing on exploiting Chelsea’s overworked left-back Marc Cucurella (57 appearances this season) and high defensive line. The midfield trio of Onuche Ogbelu and Houssem Tka will aim to disrupt
Chelsea’s rhythm, while center-back Mohamed Amine Tougai’s aerial prowess (68% headed duel success) could neutralize Chelsea’s crosses.
Key Player Battles
Chelsea’s Midfield Dominance: Enzo Fernández and Caicedo’s ability to control tempo (91% pass accuracy) will be pivotal. However, Esperance’s compact midfield (8.3 tackles per game) may force errors.
Esperance’s Set-Piece Threat: Despite Belaïli’s absence, Esperance’s reliance on corners (4 consecutive matches with more corners) and aerial duels (5.2 clearances/game by Tougai) could exploit Chelsea’s vulnerability to headers (2 goals conceded in last 3 games).
Critical Factors
Heat Impact: The 37.8°C temperature could reduce Chelsea’s intensity after 60 minutes, playing into Esperance’s favor.
Rotation Risks: Chelsea’s rotated lineup may lack cohesion, while Esperance’s full-strength side (only 1 injury) offers tactical stability.
Final Prediction: Chelsea -2
Predicted Result: 1-3, 1-4, 2-4
Predicted Goals: 4, 5, 6
Predicted Corners: More than 9
