Fluminense v Chelsea match preview
Having played Brazilian clubs twice in their 120 years of existence before the start of the Club World Cup, Chelsea are about to face such a fixture for the third time in under three weeks when they meet Fluminense in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
The good news for Maresca’s side is that Brazilian leaders Flamengo, who beat them 3-1 in the group stage on June 20, are out, but Fluminense are a mere four points behind them in Serie A and on a fine run, going an 11th game unbeaten with a 2-1 quarter-final victory against an Al-Hilal side who had been favourites to advance.
Defender Malo Gusto said Chelsea’s 2-1 win in the last eight against Palmeiras, who are two points above Fluminense domestically, was “very tough”.
“The Brazilian teams are doing very well during this competition,” added the France international, speaking to Chelsea’s website.
“We just need to be ourselves, dig deep and try to win. It’s not enough yet: we still have a semi-final to get to the final and try to win this trophy. Now we just have to believe in ourselves and to give our best.”
FIFA Club World Cup Free Bets – Best UK Betting Sites, Tips & Betting Offers
Fluminense lack the financial might of Chelsea and fellow semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid and are willing outsiders entering the final four of the expanded competition.
“Sometimes when we’re on the bus or at dinner, we look around and say ‘do you realise this is a World Club Cup semi-final?” revealed full-back Rene, via Globo.
“That’s the feeling, of living a dream. When the dream comes true, you think ‘is it really true?’ We have more or less that feeling, joy radiating wherever we go.
“We knew that together, giving our best, we could get there. Of course, on paper, and for many outside [the club], it was impossible.
“But those who work with us day to day know that we always believed. The opponents are favourites against us, but it has worked out this way. May the favouritism always be on the other side and the victory on this side.”
Fluminense v Chelsea team news
Defender Freytes and midfielder Martinelli are out with yellow-card suspensions for Fluminense, meaning Renato Gaucho will have changed his starting line-up in all six games at the finals.
Hercules and Thiago Santos could replace the pair but Renato might pick different options if the tactician switches formation.
“The player who comes in to replace Freytes and Martinelli doesn’t worry me,” Renato said, backing the strength and readiness of his squad.
Rene is pleased to be in contention following suspension. “From up [in the stands], you can’t do anything,” the 32-year-old reflected.
“All you can do is pray for everything to go well and cheer. It’s a bad feeling. I hope I don’t have to go through that again.”
At the age of 40, former Brazil centre-back Thiago Silva, who won the Club World Cup and Champions League in 2021 during four years at Chelsea, is almost certain to start again.
Defender Levi Colwill and new striker Liam Delap are suspended for Chelsea but midfielder Moises Caicedo is back from a ban.
Centre-half Benoit Badiashile and midfielder Romeo Lavia missed the win against Fluminense with injuries, as did captain Reece James with a knock the wideman picked up shortly before kick-off.
New £60m forward Joao Pedro came through Fluminense’s youth system alongside Martinelli before moving to Watford and establishing himself in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Defender Wesley Fofana remains out with a long-term thigh injury, while 18-year-old midfielder Kendry Paez, who is expected to join Strasbourg on loan, is not in the squad.
Winger Mykhailo Mudryk has not played since November and was announced in December to have tested positive for a banned substance.
Fluminense v Chelsea expected line-ups
Fluminense starting XI: Fabio, Ignacio, Thiago Silva, Gabriel Fuentes, Samuel Xavier, Hercules, Facundo Bernal, Rene, Nonato, Jhon Arias, German Cano.
Chelsea starting XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
How to watch Fluminense v Chelsea: TV and online streams
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 20:00 BST, with live coverage on DAZN.
DAZN subscribers or Freemium member can tune in as part of their existing membership, while non-subscribers can register for a free account to start watching.
Fans can watch on the go via the DAZN App on smart TVs, phones, tablets, games consoles and streaming devices.
