Chelsea vs Palmeiras predicted XI: 3-4-3 to bring home Club World Cup?

Thomas Tuchel has officially joined the squad in Abu Dhabi for the FIFA Club World Cup final. He has gotten to the final of every cup competition he’s managed with Chelsea so far and this could be the first of two trophies Tuchel could deliver for the Blues this month. Chelsea is only halfway there though, as it still has to win against Palmeiras to bring home the Club World Cup trophy.

It’s going to be far from an easy game, so who does Tuchel trust to get the job done on Saturday?

Kepa Arrizabalaga (No. 1) Goalkeeper, Spain

Kepa Arrizabalaga deserves to start this game as he has not only started the semifinal of this competition but he’s been superb every time he’s played the last month. His confidence is at its highest at the moment, as he has stepped in and covered for Edouard Mendy for the duration of the African Cup of Nations. Arrizabalaga has barely put a foot wrong this season between the sticks and he has Tuchel’s complete trust. This doesn’t change the fact that Mendy is still the first choice. He will start league and Champions League games when fit, but Arrizabalaga is the cup keeper. Tuchel has expressed a willingness to follow through with that over his two years thus far.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Right centerback, Denmark

Andreas Christensen was statistically Chelsea’s best centerback against Al Hilal. He was magnificent really, winning all eight of his contested aerial duels, as well as winning four of his seven contested ground duels. The Dane led the team in defensive actions, as well, making eight of them. Admittedly, his passing could have been better. Christensen’s mobility and anticipation will help Chelsea snuff out any Palmeiras chances even before they begin to form.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva retains his place in the line-up after a very good performance against Al Hilal. He’s Chelsea’s best defender and his anticipation helps the Blues stay out ahead of the opponents. Silva has been left exposed several times by the midfield or front line, and he’s won the duel every time. No, that’s not an exaggeration, he has won it every time.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger’s contract saga continues to stretch on for far longer than the club would’ve perhaps liked it to. He has been completely focused on his football though and that is a huge credit to the German defender. He was the least busy centerback against Al Hilal, but that’s not a talking point as Al Hilal did not attack the Blues too often. Many Chelsea fans want Rudiger’s contract issue to be resolved on time because while there are centerbacks out there the Blues can replace him with, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.