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Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia
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Chelsea take on Fluminense in the first Club World Cup semi-final clash tonight.
The Blues overcame Palmeiras to book their place in the last four with an own goal from Agustin Giay in the 83rd minute proving decisive.
Their reward is a third meeting with Brazilian opposition in the competition after Fluminense’s fairytale run at the Club World Cup run continued with a 2-1 win over Al-Hilal.
This showdown means Thiago Silva will face Chelsea for the first time since leaving to return to his boyhood club last summer.
Despite his age, the 40-year-old has been one of the standout players in the tournament and will be out to deny his former club a place in the Club World Cup final.
Chelsea vs Fluminense is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off tonight on Tuesday July 8, 2025.
The match will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live.
Live stream: Viewers can watch the action live online via the DAZN website, which is free with a registration. Coverage starts at 7pm.
DAZN is the global broadcaster of the new-look Club World Cup. No subscription is required to watch the game, with the entire tournament available to their ‘Freemium’ members, which means you only need to sign up for a free DAZN account.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Matheus Martinelli – scorer of Fluminense’s winner against Al-Hilal – and Juan Freytes are both suspended for the semi-finals.
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Experienced defender Rene is available for selection having been banned against Al-Hilal. Thiago Silva is expected to lead the defence against his former club.
Chelsea will be without Liam Delap and Levi Colwill through suspension, while Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are all doubtful after missing the win over Palmeiras.
As a result, Nicolas Jackson could lead the line, though Enzo Maresca may have hinted at handing summer signing Joao Pedro a first start as he turned to the Brazilian to replace Delap in the semi-final.
Moises Caicedo is a certainty to return to the starting XI after serving his one-game ban. New signing Jamie Gittens is ineligible having played at the Club World Cup already for Borussia Dortmund, while Estevao Willian hasn’t joined yet after starring for Palmeiras at the tournament.
Chelsea’s record against Brazilian opposition at the Club World Cup so far is; played two, won one and lost one. Therefore Maresca’s side will know they are in for a tough game.
Despite being marginal favourites to progress, the Blues will have to guard against complacency as Fluminense are unbeaten in the competition and their round of 16 win over Inter Milan shows they can spring a surprise.
That said, Chelsea’s extra bit of quality could ultimately prove to be the difference in a close encounter.
Chelsea to win, 2-1.
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides.
Fluminense to reach final: 5/2
Chelsea to reach final: 2/7
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
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