Chelsea’s quest for Club World Club glory begins when they face Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Chelsea’s quest for Club World Club glory begins when they face Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday night.

Fresh from winning the Europa Conference League, Chelsea are among the bookmakers’ favourites to go all the way and win more silverware in the United States in the summer.

Drawn in Group D alongside Los Angeles FC, Flamengo and ES Tunis, it’s easy to see why Enzo Maresca’s men are considered as top contenders for the title.

After finishing as runners-up in 2012, Chelsea went one better and won the Club World Cup back in 2022, courtesy of a 2-1 extra-time victory over Brazilian giants Palmeiras.

As for LAFC, they were late additions to the guest list after getting past Mexican outfit Club America in a play-off tie at the beginning of the month.

Steve Cherundolo’s side will enter the competition with plenty of momentum behind them after extending their unbeaten run in MLS to nine matches with a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City last weekend.

Head to head: History book blank

While Chelsea have come up against MLS opposition during pre-season in recent years, this will be the first time that they have ever locked horns with LAFC.

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea will be unable to call upon injured defender Wesley Fofana, but apart from that they have a fully fit squad to choose from. After thrashing Real Betis 4-1 last time out, Blues boss Maresca could stick with the same set of players for this Group D curtain-raiser.

Hugo Lloris is a familiar face between the posts for LAFC, as is experienced striker Oliver Giroud, although the latter is expected to start on the bench on Monday night.

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Los Angeles FC: Lloris; Palencia, Long, Segura, Hollingshead; Tillman, Jesus, Delgado; Yeboah, Bouanga, Ebobisse.