Chelsea will get their quest for yet more silverware underway on Monday night when they get their Club World Cup campaign started.
The Blues will line up against LAFC, and be reunited with former striker Olivier Giroud after his successful spell at Stamford Bridge.
The French striker has praised Liam Delap ahead of his potential Chelsea debut, with supporters no doubt eager to see him in action for his new side.
Perhaps the team selection from Enzo Maresca could be the best indicator of who he sees leading the line for him this season. Nicolas Jackson is also available for selection.
The Chelsea Chronicle has predicted that it will be a strong Blues side on show to face the MLS opposition on Monday.
Chelsea Club World Cup predicted XI
With no Djordje Petrovic in America, Robert Sanchez is expected to take the position of goalkeeper for the time being. A replacement may be on their way soon though.
Club captain Reece James will lead the sides out, and no doubt be eager to lift his second trophy of the season as skipper of the Blues.
Tosin Adarabioyo will start the game despite teammate Trevoh Chalobah recently making his full England debut in defeat to Senegal.
He will be partnered by Levi Colwill, who also started that loss for Thomas Tuchel’s side but has emerged as Chelsea’s most important centre-back.
One of the easiest choices on the pitch sees Marc Cucurella start at left-back. There is still no real first team competition for him as Renato Veiga has not travelled with the squad.
In midfield, Romeo Lavia will start the first game of the post-season competition. Maresca will be hoping he can call upon him more often in 2025/26.
He will partner Moises Caicedo despite his lack of rest after being called up to play for his country over the last week’s time.
Enzo Fernandez will also be present. He will be desperate to get going again following his recent red card for Argentina.
Cole Palmer will of course start for Chelsea, however he will pick up a role off the right of attack in order to accommodate the three midfielders behind him.
On the opposite side, Noni Madueke will get the nod for now. There is still large interest from the Blues in signing a new left winger when the window opens again.
Up front, Liam Delap will make his Chelsea debut and lead the line, looking to get off to a quick start for his new club.
