Chelsea have stepped up their game to reach the semi-final of the Club World Cup where they will face Brazilian team Fluminense at the MetLife Stadium.
Enzo Maresca's side has already encountered two Brazilian opponents in their Club World Cup journey, losing 3-1 to Flamengo in the group stage before securing a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the quarter-final.
The upcoming match against Fluminense is expected to be another intense battle, as the Brazilian team finished second in their group behind Borussia Dortmund and impressed with knockout wins over Inter and Al Hilal, who defeated Manchester City.
Team news
Chelsea will make changes from their quarter-final lineup, with Liam Delap and Levi Colwill suspended for the upcoming match.
New signing Joao Pedro is likely to replace Delap, while Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to step in for Colwill. Moises Caicedo is back in contention after serving his suspension.
Captain Reece James picked up an injury during the quarter-final warm-up and will join Romeo Lavia on the sidelines. Jamie Gittens is unavailable for selection.
Fluminense will be without center-back Juan Pablo Freytes and midfielder Martinelli due to suspensions. Isaque Silva, Otavio, and Riquelme Felipe are still sidelined with injuries.
The stats
Fluminense are currently on an 11-game unbeaten streak, winning three and drawing two of their Club World Cup matches.
The Brazilian side has kept five clean sheets in their last seven games, with only two matches having three or more goals.
Chelsea have only lost two of their last 14 matches, winning three of their five Club World Cup games in regular time.
In four out of their last 10 matches, both teams scored against Chelsea.
Out of Chelsea's last 12 victories, six have been by a one-goal margin.
Prediction
Fluminense's solid defense has been key to their success in reaching the Club World Cup semi-final, with three clean sheets in five matches and only three goals conceded.
Having shut out Borussia Dortmund and Inter, Fluminense will aim to frustrate Chelsea, who narrowly beat Palmeiras with an 83rd-minute goal in the quarter-final.
Chelsea's recent 1-0 victories over Manchester United and Nottingham Forest highlight their defensive strength under Maresca, with five clean sheets in their last 10 games.
With a significant prize on the line and both teams looking defensively strong, the match is expected to be tense with defenses likely to prevail.
A single goal could be enough to decide the outcome, leading to a potentially less open game than anticipated.