Chelsea will likely be competing for the top spot in their Club World Cup group when they take on Flamengo in Philadelphia.
The Blues will be looking to build on a 2-0 win in their first group stage game against LAFC, with Enzo Maresca naming a strong side for the outing.
The side was very similar to the one that won the Conference League a month ago, however there was a debut for new signing Liam Delap on the bench.
Former Blues star Jorginho will be in action for his new side, with him starting in the heart of midfield in their opening 2-0 win.
Andrey Santos to make competitive Chelsea debut vs Flamengo
Many would think he would struggle up against Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park, however he could have to prepare himself to take on one of the most promising midfielders in world football instead.
Andrey Santos didn’t feature in the opening game, with him set to be part of the first team squad this season after impressing on loan at Strasbourg.
His streak of not playing a competitive game for Chelsea looks set to come to an end. According to the Mail Online, Santos is set to feature against Flamengo.
Moises Caicedo has already hinted at a special partnership with Santos that was to come, and the first viewing of the two in action could be on display on Friday.
However, Maresca could look at a completely different configuration in midfield, with him worried about the impact this tournament will have on his players after a demanding display.
Maresca set for rotation vs Flamengo
The rules of the competition state that clubs are required to play their strongest possible side at all times, but with no real break since their seasons started in August, this looks impossible to uphold.
Maresca is considering pushing those laws to the limit by changing a number of players, with him able to argue that plenty of players on his bench on Monday could be seen as part of their best possible lineup.
The Chelsea Chronicle are predicting plenty of changes, with Reece James one of those likely to be replaced due to his yellow card in the opener.
One more booking and the club captain will be suspended, and the referee for Chelsea vs Flamengo hands out plenty of cards when given the chance.
