Chelsea are now just two games away from being officially crowned the best team in world football in their quest to win the Club World Cup.
They will be taking on Thiago Silva’s Fluminense side for an opportunity to take on either PSG or Real Madrid in the final.
The Blues dominated large portions of the quarter-final against Palmeiras, despite Estevao Willian’s sensational goal being his parting gift to the Brazilian side before he moves to Stamford Bridge.
There was an impressive cameo appearance for Joao Pedro off the bench, with Brazilian media picking Pedro out for credit.
However, Enzo Maresca is going to have to come up with some inventive solutions to replace Liam Delap and Levi Colwill. Both are suspended after picking up their second yellow cards of the competition.
The Chelsea Chronicle have put together the Predicted XI we believe the manager will name on Tuesday night in New Jersey.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Fluminense
There were some fingers pointed at Robert Sanchez for Estevao’s goal in the quarter-final, however the Spaniard will remain in the starting side for the semi-final.
Malo Gusto’s struggles continued in the last game, and the hope will be that Reece James will be fit enough to replace him in the side. James has claimed he will be present on Tuesday.
At centre-back, Trevoh Chalobah did his chances of staying at the club no harm with a very assured performance at the back against Palmeiras, and he will keep his place.
To replace Colwill will be Tosin Adarabioyo, who has also shown his class with multiple displays during the Club World Cup.
At left-back, Marc Cucurella will retain his place after a fiery battle with future teammate Estevao in the previous round.
After serving his own suspension, Moises Caicedo will find himself back in the starting side after having more than a week of rest.
He will be joined by Enzo Fernandez, who has put in some brilliant performances during the club’s time in the United States.
Ahead of those two, Cole Palmer will remain in the central attacking role after excelling against Palmeiras. He found the net from open play last time out for the first time in 27 games.
On the right, Pedro Neto will be looking to add to his three goals in the competition so far with another start.
The opposite wing will see a first start in a Chelsea shirt for Joao Pedro. His role will largely be coming inside and assisting Palmer with work in the central areas.
In place of Delap, Nicolas Jackson will make his return to the starting side after serving his suspension for the red card against Flamengo. He didn’t play a minute against Palmeiras in the last round.
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