PSG set on starting XI for Club World Cup final, Chelsea might surprise
Just four days after their fantastic victory against Real Madrid (4-0) in their Club World Cup semifinal, PSG face their third and final big challenge with a matchup against Chelsea FC, with the title at stake this Sunday.
It will take place in New York at 3 pm local time, and weather conditions could be complicated given the forecasted heat, though slightly better than on Wednesday.
PSG lineup against Chelsea with no surprises?
Regarding PSG‘s starting lineup to face Chelsea, L’Equipe and Le Parisien completely agree for once as both newspapers expect to see an identical starting eleven – the same one that brilliantly faced Real Madrid days earlier (4-0).
In defense, no surprises as always with Donnarumma in goal protected by a back four of Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, and Nuno Mendes from right to left. Beraldo has performed well and will continue.
In midfield, Fabian Ruiz is ready to play despite his thigh bandage as he keeps playing matches, and the usual trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian is expected in the Parisian midfield.
The attack could have seen changes, but Ousmane Dembele centrally, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia left, and Desire Doue rather than Bradley Barcola on the right seems to be the current formula. Both L’Equipe and Le Parisien lean toward this option.
PSG predicted lineup vs Chelsea according to the press: Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes – Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz – Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Chelsea lineup unclear before facing PSG
While everything is smooth and simple on the Parisian side, it’s much less clear for Chelsea, and their lineup against PSG isn’t obvious at all.
In defense, except for Cucurella on the left, it’s practically impossible to be certain about the back four in front of Robert Sanchez.
L’Equipe predicts Cucurella, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, and Colwill from left to right, even though the latter is left-footed! Captain Reece James should start at right back.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo is doubtful with an ankle injury and would be replaced by former Strasbourg player Andrey Santos if unavailable. Enzo Fernandez will complete this line behind an attack composed of Neto, Palmer, and Nkunku from right to left, with Joao Pedro as striker.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs PSG according to the press: Sanchez – James or Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella – Caicedo or Andrey Santos, Fernandez – Neto, Palmer, Nkunku – Pedro.
