The stage is set for the grand finale of the Club World Cup’s 21st edition – soccer’s ultimate clash of continents.
This year’s tournament has delivered a plethora of surprises, drama and moments of eminence as countries from all over the planet converged with one target; to establish themselves as the world’s best.
Thirty two sides began and now only two remain – Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
This final promises to be one for the ages, with global sporting supremacy on the line.
As the curtain falls on an exemplary edition of the Club World Cup, Sport Preview’s Ethan Pitts analyses Sunday’s historic match and for the final time in this tournament tips some selections with money still to be made.
PSG preview and form
Luis Enrique’s side arrive at the final in unstoppable form.
A blend of a potent frontline, an iron-clad defence and dynamic tactical flexibility has transcended into near-flawless game-by-game performances.
Aside from their early setback against Botafogo, PSG have dominated every stage with compelling authority – a level which has established themselves as clear favourites for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.
In a competition blessed with the world’s best talent, PSG arrive into the final with record-breaking metrics and milestones – none more remarkable than their one goal conceded throughout the entire tournament (zero conceded in the knockout stages).
Luis Enrique is still without both William Pacho and Lucas Hernandez – both suspended following their quarter-final red cards against Bayern Munich.
This should therefore mean Lucas Beraldo will again deputise for Pacho alongside his captain Marquinhos, in what is expected to be an unchanged XI at the MetLife Stadium for “Les Parisiens”.
Ballon D’Or favourite Ousmane Dembele made his first start of the tournament against Real Madrid in the semi-final, after injury limited his participation in both the group stages and early knockout rounds.
The Frenchman appeared to be unscathed from Wednesday’s match, and all signs lead to Dembele leading the line come Sunday night.
Chelsea preview and form
Chelsea have built momentum from a robust structure, scoring prowess and in-game adaptations.
Their run to the Club World Cup final illustrates a team finding identity under manager, Enzo Maresca.
Despite a favourable run to Sunday’s game, they are more than deserving of their spot in the 2025 Club World Cup final.
An early setback against a fellow Brazilian side in Flamengo hasn’t impeded the British giants, who have seemed to grow game-by-game since their shock defeat.
Chelsea are, however, without an abundance of star power going into the final.
Young midfielders Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia are both struggling with muscular problems which will almost certainly rule them out of Sunday’s match.
French youth international Benoit Badiashile is also a doubt and new arrivals Estevao and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens are ineligible due to participation for other teams in the competition.
As per David Ornstein, Noni Madueke will not be involved for Chelsea as the winger aims to complete a medical prior to completing a switch to divisional rivals, Arsenal.
In better news for the Blues, Maresca can now call upon both Levi Colwill and Liam Delap, who were suspended for the semi-final; the latter’s return means more competition for Joao Pedro, favourite to start up front after scoring twice on his full debut.
The arrival of the Brazilian attacker has given new life to a side who have lacked a number nine of real quality in recent years, and most certainly gives Chelsea a better chance of overcoming a PSG side on the brink of history.
Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain: Predicted line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, James, Caicedo; Neto, Fernandez, Palmer, Pedro
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3): Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes, Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz, Doué, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Chelsea to have more yellow cards and Chelsea to have over three corners – 15/8 (bet365)
In what is likely to be an end-to-end game between two of Europe’s elite, if Chelsea are to frustrate this young and vibrant PSG side, they will need to disrupt the French side whilst they are in possession – in other words, persistent fouling.
Maresca’s side are known for their good brand of soccer with a reputation for a lower tempo, possession-based tactical system.
However, they also have a meaner side to them which has been on show in the Club World Cup so far – anchored by the Blues averaging 2.2 yellow cards a game
In comparison, PSG have only averaged 0.8 yellow cards a game. So a logical selection for me would be to take Chelsea to have the most cards – priced at 4/6 when using bet365.
Adding on to this, corners look very interesting – most notably that of the British side.
Chelsea have had four or more corners in their last 11 games in all competitions, including the Club World Cup.
PSG, albeit a remarkable team in possession, are susceptible to pressure on the counter-attack which will play to Maresca’s team’s advantage.
Vincent Kompany, another manager who has arisen from the tutelage of the legendary Pep Guardiola, adopted a similar strategy and managed to accumulate a lot of shots and corners against PSG. I believe this game may well follow a similar approach.
Therefore, I will be taking Chelsea to have four or more corners at 4/6. When adding this selection to Chelsea having the most cards, you get odds best priced at 15/8 (bet365).
Enzo Fernández to have two or more shots – 31/20 (BetMGM)
Argentine Enzo Fernández has emerged as a pivotal figure for Chelsea throughout their journey to the Club World Cup final – notching up four goal contributions for himself.
Fernández has also become a prolific shot taker for the Blues, averaging just over two shots a game at this tournament so far.
The World Cup winner has also had two or more shots in three out of his last four matches.
If Chelsea are to overcome PSG at the weekend, they will need Fernández to be at the top of his game.
The Argentine’s self-creation as well as his creation for others will prove to be vital for Maresca in his bid for global soccer stardom.
For these reasons, my selection will be to back Enzo Fernandez to have two or more shots – best priced at 31/20 when using BetMGM.
