Premier League side Chelsea are set to begin their FIFA Club World Cup group campaign on Monday when the play MLS team Los Angeles FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The revamped tournament will offer the winner of the competition prize money in the region of £100m, but the two sides will have to navigate a group also containing Esperance and Flamengo.
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Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC prediction: Chelsea's resilient defence to be tested
Key Stats
- Chelsea ended their 2024-25 season in excellent form at both ends of the pitch, keeping four clean sheets while conceding just five goals in their last eight games.
- LAFC have netted at least two goals in each of their past 10 matches while avoiding defeat.
- The English side have scored one or fewer goals in five of their eight most recent outings, but their US opponents have conceded 17 in 11 games.
Correct score prediction: Chelsea 3-1 LAFC
The disparity in quality between the two squads is vast, with Chelsea having spent significantly in excess of £1b on transfer since Todd Boehly took charge of footballing operations in 2022, and they should be expected to emerge as comfortable victors.
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Pre-game odds and win probability: Chelsea strongly backed by the bookmakers
- HOME: 3/10 (1.3) – 76.9%
- DRAW: 9/2 (5.5) – 18.2%
- AWAY: 17/2 (9.5) – 10.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Chelsea are the expected winner of this matchup, with a probability of 76.9%, and it would be highly surprising if the MLS side were able to upset the odds.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: First time to meet
These two teams haven't met before. Meanwhile, Chelsea played against teams from the United States twice before, notching one win and one draw, while Los Angeles FC haven't met with teams from England yet.
Chelsea preview: Conference League Champions
Chelsea emerged as 4-1 winners against Real Betis in the Conference League final last time out on May 28, coming from behind to become the first team to win all three major European club competitions, and they will be full of confidence following their top-four finish in the Premier League.
Cole Palmer will want to make his mark on the world stage, and he is almost certain to lead the Blues' attack.
Predicted lineup: Sanchez (GK), Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Madueke, Jackson
England Premier League 11/05/25
L
Newcastle
2
Chelsea
0
UEFA Conference League 08/05/25
W
Djurgarden
0
Chelsea
1
England Premier League 04/05/25
W
Liverpool
1
Chelsea
3
UEFA Conference League 01/05/25
W
Djurgarden
1
Chelsea
4
England Premier League 26/04/25
W
Everton
0
Chelsea
1
LAFC preview: Mixed domestic performances
LAFC are currently fifth in the Western Conference with 26 points from a possible 48 points, but they rank 12th of the 30 teams in the Supporters' Shield, 11 points behind leaders Philadelphia Union.
Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will want to impress against his former English rivals.
Predicted lineup: Lloris (GK), Palencia, Hollingshead, Delgado, Segura, Marlon, Jesus, Tillman, Ebobisse, Yeboah, Bouanga
USA MLS 11/05/25
D
Vancouver Whitecaps
2
Los Angeles FC
2
USA MLS 04/05/25
W
Houston Dynamo
0
Los Angeles FC
2
USA MLS 27/04/25
D
St. Louis City SC
2
Los Angeles FC
2
USA MLS 20/04/25
D
Portland Timbers
3
Los Angeles FC
3
USA MLS 13/04/25
W
San Jose Earthquakes
1
Los Angeles FC
2
Player to watch: Liam Delap
After Liam Delap signed from Ipswich Town, it will be fascinating to see if he can displace Nicolas Jackson from the starting XI, and whether he can adapt to life at Stamford Bridge.
The Englishman netted 12 goals for relegated Ipswich in 2024-25, and his performances in the final third in spite of his former team's struggles were commendable.