Former Chelsea defender David Luiz is going to struggle to pick a favourite for the club’s second Club World Cup group stage game.
The Blues take on Flamengo for the chance to finish top in Group D, two clubs who the Brazilian played for during his career.
Enzo Maresca has hinted he may be about to break Club World Cup rules by rotating his side, and The Chelsea Chronicle are predicting a number of changes will be made in our predicted XI.
The Blues were handed the boost of potentially avoiding a Round of 16 tie against Champions League winners PSG, after they were defeated by Botafogo.
Chelsea legend David Luiz praises Todd Boehly ahead of Flamengo tie
While Luiz has been unable to pick a favourite between the two sides, he did have plenty to say on the direction the club is going under Todd Boehly.
Despite plenty of criticism heading the American’s way during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, Luiz told the FIFA website that he is seeing the results of his bold methods in the players and results they are picking up.
He said: “I think it’s going to be a great game. Chelsea have been on an upward curve, with new ideas, new players – they’re a new side. The club was under a different owner when I was there, and a lot has changed since.
“There’s a new chairman, long contracts for young players, a lot of changes have been made to try and grow the team over the past few years, and we’re seeing the results!”
While Luiz is positive about the Blues, they will be more than aware that Friday night’s fixture is not going to be a walk in the park.
Chelsea handed Flamengo warning by Thiago Silva
At this stage of the competition, no European side has beaten a South American club despite often being seen as the superior side.
The likes of Palmeiras and Fluminense have been very impressive in the tournament so far, with Chelsea legend Thiago Silva starring against Borussia Dortmund and the club’s top transfer target, Jamie Gittens.
The majority of these clubs are currently in the middle of their domestic seasons, meaning they are not needing as long to get up to match speed.
Fellow former Blues star Jorginho is likely to face his old club in the fixture. Jorginho believes he knows Chelsea’s gameplan ahead of the game.
