Chelsea and Palmeiras will face off for a spot in the coveted semi-finals of the Club World Cup

Chelsea and Palmeiras will face off for a spot in the coveted semi-finals of the Club World Cup.

Chelsea go into the game on the back of beating Benfica 4-1 in extra time after the round of 16 tie interrupted by a one-hour and 53-minute suspension due to lightning in the North Carolina region.

The game finally finished four hours and 38 minutes after kick off.

With two wins sandwiching a defeat in the group stages, Chelsea have performed well in spells but are yet to set this year’s tournament alight.

Enzo Maresca side’s one loss came at the hands of Brazilian opposition as they were run ragged by Flamengo in a game that also saw Nicolas Jackson sent-off.

Palmeiras, another Brazilian side, are unbeaten in this year’s tournament, winning once and drawing twice in the group stages and defeating rivals Botafogo 1-0 in the round of 16 in extra-time courtesy of a Paulinho goal.

Palmeiras vs Chelsea team news
Chelsea will be without star man Moises Caicedo due to suspension. Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia has emerged as a doubt with a late decision to be made regarding his involvement.

Jackson is available again after suspension but Liam Delap is most favoured to lead the line and is expected to be supported by Cole Palmer. However, Maresca has revealed Pedro Neto may miss the clash following the unfortunate death of close friend Diogo Jota.

New signing Joao Pedro is eligible to play following his move from Brighton.

Estevao is available to face the club he will join after the tournament. The wonderkid has been in scintillating form this tournament, earning two player of the match awards in Palmeiras’ first two fixtures.

Gustavo Gomez will also be unavailable after being sent-off in extra-time in the last 16.

Palmeiras vs Chelsea prediction
As the sole remaining English representative, Chelsea seem to be finding their feet at the right time and are showing signs of being serious contenders.

Yes, they have already lost to Brazilian opponents in this competition and will be without their best midfielder in Caicedo, but they possess a superior attacking threat and so should prove to be too strong for Palmeiras.

Chelsea are favourites, but don’t expect the floodgates to open, as Palmeiras are expected to remain resolute.