Chelsea and Palmeiras fight for their first CWC title

Chelsea and Palmeiras face off this Saturday in Abu Dhabi for their first Club World Cup title, in which both have reached the final once before. 

The English team managed by Thomas Tuchel suffered to beat Asian champions Al Hilal in the semi-finals 1-0. That was thanks to Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea's main man in attack. 

Palmeiras, champion of the last two editions of the Copa Libertadores, beat Egyptian side Al Ahly 2-0 courtesy of goals from Raphael Veiga and Dudu. They dominated that match from start to finish. 

Palmeiras, coached by Abel Ferreira, played in the 2020 Club World Cup in Qatar and lost in the semi-finals. Chelsea, made the final fo the 2012 edition in Japan before being beaten by Palmeiras' bitter rivals Corinthians. 

The Brazilian club were also close to winning the title in 1999 when they lost 1-0 to Man Utd in the final of the now defunct Intercontinental Cup. 

For Saturday's game, Chelsea are waiting to see whether Tuchel will be allowed on the bench. He is now in Abu Dhabi after getting over COVID although he is waiting for new tests. 

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy arrived in Abu Dhabi after playing in the African Cup of Nations and wining it with Senegal, but everything seems to suggest he will start on the bench. Spanish goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga will start while injured full-back Ben Chilwell, who is injured, will be replaced by Marcos Alonso. 

Palmeiras have all their starters for the decisive game. 

To face off against Chelsea, Ferreira, barring a surprise, will field the same team which defeated the African champions. 

Possible line-ups

Chelsea: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Marcos Alonso; Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku

Manager: Thomas Tuchel

Palmeiras: Wéverton; Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez, Luan, Joaquín Piquerez; Danilo, Zé Rafael, Gustavo Scarpa; Raphael Veiga, Dudu and Rony.

Manager: Abel Ferreira

Referee: Chris Beath (Australia) while Massimiliano Irrati (Italy) is the VAR.

Stadium: Mohammed Bin Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi

Kick off time: 20:30 local, 17:30 CET