Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has handed striker Liam Delap his first start as the Blues prepare to face Brazilian side Flamengo in their Club World Cup fixture on Friday.
Delap earned his opportunity after an impressive debut from the bench in Chelsea's opening match against Los Angeles FC, where he provided an assist for Enzo Fernandez.
Team Selections and Tactical Decisions
Maresca has made a total of four changes to his starting lineup for this crucial encounter. Chelsea will field a strong eleven featuring Sanchez in goal, with a defensive line of James, Chalobah, Colwill, and Cucurella.
The midfield consists of Caicedo and Fernandez, while the attack features Pedro Neto, Palmer, Gusto, and the newly promoted Delap leading the line.
For Flamengo, several high-profile players have been named on the bench, including striker Pedro and defenders Guillermo Varela and Alex Sandro. The Brazilian side's starting eleven includes Rossi in goal, with Wesley, Danilo, Pereira, and Lucas forming the defense.
Pulgar, Jorginho, and Gerson will control the midfield, while De Arrascaeta, Araujo, and Plata lead the attack for the South American giants.
Full Starting Lineups
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Palmer, Gusto, Delap.
Chelsea Substitutes: Jorgensen, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Madueke, Essugo, Jackson, Santos, Nkunku, Sarr, Dewsbury-Hall, Anselmino, George, Acheampong, Guiu, Lavia.
Flamengo XI: Rossi, Wesley, Danilo, Pereira, Lucas, Pulgar, Jorginho, Gerson, De Arrascaeta, Araujo, Plata.
Flamengo Substitutes: Cunha, Varela, Ortiz, Pedro, Everton, Vina, Matheus Goncalves, Juninho, Alex Sandro, Bruno Henrique, Allan, Michael, Evertton Araujo, Joao Victor, Wallace Yan.
The match promises to be an exciting intercontinental clash as European representatives Chelsea face South American champions Flamengo in this prestigious Club World Cup fixture.
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