Chelsea look set to face their first real test at the Club World Cup when they take on Brazilian giants Flamengo on Friday.
Chelsea started their Club World Cup challenge with a fairly routine 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC, but they will be preparing themselves for a tougher contest against Brazilians Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia on Friday.
The Blues might only need one more victory to seal a place in the knockout rounds but they will have respect for Flamengo, who are also on maximum points after a 2-0 triumph over Esperance de Tunis.
Matchday Two always looked like being the first real test for Enzo Maresca’s side, who will be keen to move onto the next stage as Group D winners.
And the eagerly-anticipated contest is the subject of a bet builder which, if successful, returns odds of around 7/1 in the football odds.
Flamengo v Chelsea Tips
- Flamengo or draw double chance @ 1/1
- Giorgian de Arrascaeta to score anytime @ 14/5
- Under 3.5 goals @ 2/7
Pays out at 7/1
Brazilians can spring a surprise
Chelsea were far too strong for Los Angeles FC in their opening match at the Club World Cup but they could be handed a reality check by Flamengo, who may deny them maximum points in Philadelphia.
The Blues kicked off their competition in front of a sparse crowd but they soon got down to business and eased to victory with goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez.
Maresca saw a lot of positives, including an encouraging debut from Liam Delap, who came off the bench and assisted the second goal.
But his team will notice a step up in class against Flamango, who are top of the Brazilian standings with 24 points from 11 matches.
Flamengo were fairly comfortable winners over Esperance de Tunis in their Group D opener and they look overpriced to put another point or three on the board.
Leg 1: Flamengo or draw double chance @ 1/1
Uruguayan hotshot can make his mark
Flamengo’s main threat could come from Uruguayan attacking midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who has been excelling for club and country.
The 31-year-old tops the Brazilian Serie A scoring charts with nine goals in nine appearances and he played a key role for his country last month, popping up with the second goal in a crucial 2-0 triumph at home to Venezuela.
Uruguay need just one more point to make sure of World Cup qualification but De Arrascaeta’s immediate focus is on delivering for his Brazilian paymasters.
He was on target in the victory over Esperance de Tunis and looks overpriced to stay on the scoring trail
Leg 2: Giorgian de Arrascaeta to score anytime @ 14/5
Tight contest could be fairly low-scoring
Chelsea did not have to work especially hard for their openings against Los Angeles FC, but they are likely to be involved in a much tighter contest against in-form Flamengo, who are not used to conceding many goals.
The Londoners have plenty of attacking options, including recent signing Delap, who impressed on his Blues debut.
However, five of their last six games have generated less than three goals and another low-scoring outcome looks probable against Flamengo, who will be attempting to register a fifth successive clean sheet.
Leg 3: Under 3.5 goals @ 2/7
