What People Are Saying
Chelsea enter as clear favorites after wins over Palmeiras and Benfica, with strong squad depth and tactical discipline under Enzo Maresca.
Fluminense, guided by Renato “Gaucho” Portaluppi, have stunned the football world — upsetting Inter, Al-Hilal, and riding high on grit and energy.
Betting markets back Chelsea to prevail in 90 minutes, though some tip a tight contest that could require extra time or end in a draw.
Both are playing against their former clubs respectively. Header: Predicted formation from another source.
Tactical Preview & Predicted Lineups
Fluminense (4-4-2)
GK: Fabio
RB: Ignacio CB: Thiago Silva CB: Gabriel Fuentes LB: Samuel Xavier
RM: Hercules CM: Facundo Bernal CM: Rene LM: Nonato
CF: Jhon Arias CF: German Cano
Note: Matheus Martinelli and Juan Freytes are suspended, while veteran Thiago Silva anchors the backline .
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez
RB: Malo Gusto CB: Tosin Adarabioyo CB: Trevoh Chalobah LB: Marc Cucurella
CDM: Moisés Caicedo CM: Enzo Fernández
RW: Pedro Neto CAM: Cole Palmer LW: Christopher Nkunku
ST: João Pedro
Liam Delap and Levi Colwill are suspended; Caicedo is back to bolster midfield.
New signing João Pedro is expected to lead the attack after making his debut in the quarters.
Key Storylines
Thiago Silva vs. former starters: Now 40, Silva remains Fluminense’s defensive pillar and is relishing the challenge against his old Chelsea teammates.
Chelsea’s tactical edge: With aggressive pressing and set-piece threat (averaging 7.2 corners per match), they aim to break down Fluminense’s deep block.
Underdog resilience: Fluminense are unbeaten in 11 — their compact, experienced setup thrives under pressure.
Predicted Outcome
Most experts expect Chelsea to edge through (1–2), possibly after extra time — while a draw is also considered viable within betting markets.
Where To Watch
Date: July 8, 2025
Time: 20:00 Nigeria Time
Final Verdict
Expect a fiercely contested match. Chelsea possess the firepower and depth to impose themselves, especially with Caicedo’s return and Neto, Palmer & Nkunku driving forward. But Fluminense’s ironclad defense — led by Silva and Fabio — plus their fearless Brazilian flair, could drag the Blues into a late showdown or extra-time thriller.
Drop your final score prediction in the comment section below.
– Deeprows Sports
