LAFC vs. Chelsea prediction: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup picks Monday
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is under scrutiny for a variety of reasons, but the one that matters most for handicappers is the fatigue factor.
The 32-team tournament features some of the biggest clubs in Europe, all of whom just wrapped up their nine-month domestic season in May.
Plenty of players on those teams spent last summer playing in Euro 2024 or the Copa America, meaning they've essentially had no offseason since 2023.
It's hard to be confident that these European giants will be champing at the bit to play in the Club World Cup — which, up until this year, featured seven teams and was viewed as closer to an exhibition than a prestigious tournament.
This may not sound like it should matter when it comes to betting analysis, but when you look at the prices for Monday's match between Chelsea and LAFC, you start to see how bettors can take advantage of the circumstances of this tournament.
No matter where you are in the world, you can watch the FIFA Club World Cup for free on DAZN. All you need to get started is an email address. No subscription is required, but you will have to make a free account on the streamer to start watching.
DAZN also has premium, paid options available to enhance your viewing experience with HDR picture, Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, and fewer ads. DAZN Premium plans begin at $19.99/month.
Chelsea vs. LAFC prediction
(3 p.m. ET, DAZN)
Chelsea, who just finished fourth in the Premier League and won the UEFA Conference League on May 28, is -410 to beat LAFC, the defending MLS Cup champions.
All things being equal, these wide odds make sense. Chelsea is in a different world compared to LAFC, even if the latter is the trophy holder in Major League Soccer.
What levels the playing field is the timing of this tournament. Chelsea's best players are in the middle of soccer's equivalent of an ultramarathon — having played a busy international schedule last summer, followed by a club campaign that saw them win a European trophy while competing in the Premier League.
The Blues have played matches in England, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Switzerland and Belgium in the past calendar year.
The reward for a successful season won't be rest but a trip to the United States for at least three matches, but likely more. Chelsea is one of the favorites to win the FIFA Club World Cup — along with Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Cole Palmer (R) of Chelsea FC in action during the UEFA Europa Conference League final.
Pawel Jaskolka/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
LAFC, on the other hand, will relish this opportunity. Teams in the MLS rarely get the chance to play competitive matches against the biggest clubs in the world, so you can rest assured that the Black and Gold will be looking to make life miserable for the Blues.
Knowing that it won't be able to outplay Chelsea, LAFC will want to turn this match into a physical tilt, forcing the Blues to play an uncomfortable brand of soccer in an unfamiliar environment (this game will be played in a dome, which will be a new experience for a lot of players on Chelsea's roster).
And it's not just the intangibles that make LAFC an intriguing underdog. They have plenty of skill, too. Olivier Giroud, a former Chelsea player, Cengiz Under and Hugo Lloris will be familiar names to European soccer fans.
Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps
The gap in talent between these two teams is still wide, but it's not a true David vs. Goliath situation.
No team is going to show up to this tournament not trying to win, but you just have to wonder how much is left in the tank for the heavyweights. That makes Chelsea a vulnerable favorite, even against one of the best teams in MLS.
PICK: LAFC 3:way moneyline (+1200, FanDuel)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
41 minutes ago
- USA Today
Rory McIlroy becomes first player to automatically qualify for 2025 European Ryder Cup team
Rory McIlroy becomes first player to automatically qualify for 2025 European Ryder Cup team One of the stalwarts of the European Ryder Cup team is officially locked in for the 2025 competition at Bethpage Black. Rory McIlroy, the No. 2 golfer in the world and Masters champion, became the first golfer to automatically earn a spot for captain Luke Donald's Team Europe, it was announced Monday. He will make his eighth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance at the biennial competition, scheduled Sept. 26-28 in New York. McIlroy locked up his spot with two months of the qualification period left thanks to four wins since the European points list began last August. "It's always a huge honor to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup, so it means a great deal to have qualified for my eighth in a row and to be part of Luke's team again at Bethpage," McIlroy said. 'Rome was such an incredible week with the environment Luke created, and I can't wait to be back in the team room. 'Winning a Ryder Cup away from home is one of the biggest challenges there is in golf. We know it is going to be tough in New York, but we are all looking forward to that challenge in September and the opportunity to potentially do something special.' McIlroy, 36, has won 18 points in his seven Ryder Cup appearances. The automatic qualification period for Team Europe ends Sunday, Aug. 24. The top-six players on the European rankings at the conclusion of the Betfred British Masters will secure their spots automatically on Donald's 12-man team for the 2025 Ryder Cup, with Donald's captain's picks coming Monday, Sept. 1. 'Rory has once again been in superb form this year and I'm really pleased to welcome him to Team Europe as our first automatic qualifier for Bethpage," Donald said. "Clearly it is great to have the reigning Masters champion on your team, but Rory also has a wealth of Ryder Cup experience, and that is going to be important for us as we know how tough the challenge is going to be in New York." As it stands now, the other automatic qualifiers for Team Europe would be Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Sepp Straka and Rasmus Hojgaard. 'I'm now looking forward to seeing how the other players perform over the next two months and seeing who joins Rory in the other automatic qualification spots," Donald said. Two weeks ago, Scottie Scheffler became the first automatic qualifier for Team USA.
NBC Sports
an hour ago
- NBC Sports
NBC SPORTS BRINGS 'LEGENDARY FEBRUARY' TO FANATICS FEST
'Legendary February Challenge' to Feature Olympic, Football, and Basketball Games at Interactive Activation to Celebrate NBC and Peacock's February 2026 Lineup of Milan Cortina Olympics, Super Bowl LX, and NBA All-Star Game NBC Sports Premier League Host Rebecca Lowe to Moderate On Her Turf Panel with Olympians Kendall Coyne Schofield, Erin Jackson, Elana Meyers Taylor, and NFL's Head of Flag Football Stephanie Kwok NBC Sports' Noah Eagle and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Vince Carter Featured in 'New York vs. The World' Panel Matthew Berry and Lawrence Jackson to Host a Live On-Site Episode of Fantasy Football Happy Hour at Fanatics Fest NYC STAMFORD, Conn. – June 16, 2025 – NBC Sports is bringing 'Legendary February' – its upcoming month of iconic sports programming with the Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games, Super Bowl LX, and NBA All-Star Game in February 2026 – to Fanatics Fest NYC from June 20-22 at the Javits Center in New York City. Billed as 'the world's largest arena for sports and collectibles,' Fanatics Fest blends the top athletes, celebrities, and sports brands and leagues into one celebration of sports and pop culture. NBC Sports' main attraction will be the 'Legendary February Challenge,' an interactive activation designed for fans to experience the thrill of the three iconic events featured next February on NBC and Peacock. Fans will have 45 seconds to score points on all three challenges – a touchdown toss, basketball jump shot, and curling throw – with the names of the players with the best scores being displayed on the leaderboard as well as additional prizes and giveaways. The NBC- and Peacock-branded activation will feature a large LED screen displaying an immersive environment unique to whichever of the challenges you're currently playing – a football field, basketball court, or curling arena – to replicate the experience of competing in each sport, as well as the respective logos for each event. Additionally, NBC Sports personalities such as Premier League analyst and former United States Men's National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard, NBA play-by-play voice Noah Eagle and analyst and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Vince Carter, along with Olympic medalists Kendall Coyne Schofield (ice hockey), Erin Jackson (speed skating), and Elana Meyers Taylor (bobsled) are expected to make appearances at the activation. 'Legendary February' is comprised of three of the biggest events in sports all taking place within days of each other in February 2026 on NBC and Peacock. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games begin with the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6 and conclude with the Closing Ceremony on Feb. 22. Within that 17-day window, NBC Sports will also present Super Bowl LX from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 8 and the NBA All-Star Game at the newly opened Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., on Feb. 15. In addition to the 'Legendary February Challenge,' NBC Sports will be represented on multiple panels. Premier League host Rebecca Lowe will moderate an On Her Turf panel on Sunday, June 22, focusing on women in sports and featuring Olympic medalists Kendall Coyne Schofield (ice hockey), Erin Jackson (speed skating), and Elana Meyers Taylor (bobsled), as well as Stephanie Kwok, head of flag football at the NFL. On Her Turf is a dynamic brand focused on cross platform content and community dedicated to women's empowerment, powered by sportswomen for all women. Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and NBC Sports' NBA play-by-play voice Noah Eagle will moderate a 'New York vs. The World' panel on Friday, June 20, featuring legendary New York athletes and celebrity super fans, including newly announced NBC Sports NBA analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Vince Carter, New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver Malik Nabers, six-time Olympic medalist gymnast Suni Lee, actor-comedian Tracy Morgan, and former New York Knick Allan Houston. Finally, NBC Sports' fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry and fantasy sports analyst Lawrence Jackson will host a live episode of Fantasy Football Happy Hour, NBC Sports' daily fantasy football and sports betting show on Peacock, on-site at Fanatics Fest NYC on Saturday, June 21, and will be joined by actor-comedian Keegan-Michael Key. *** ABOUT NBC SPORTS NBC Sports connects sports fans to the moments that matter most with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. As the sports division of NBCUniversal, NBC Sports produces, programs, and promotes premier content across numerous linear and digital platforms, including NBC and Peacock. NBC Sports possesses an unparalleled collection of media rights agreements, partnering and presenting many of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NBA, WNBA, Big Ten Conference, Big East Conference, Notre Dame, NASCAR, PGA TOUR, USGA, PGA of America, The R&A, Churchill Downs, Premier League, and many more. It is renowned for making big events bigger and has produced some of the most-watched sporting events in U.S. media history, including Olympic Games, Super Bowls, and Sunday Night Football, primetime television's No. 1 show for 14 consecutive years. --NBC SPORTS--
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Bundesliga Expert: Liverpool Have Signed the ‘Next Big Superstar' in Florian Wirtz
Liverpool Land Florian Wirtz: German Wonderkid Poised to Light Up Anfield It's no longer a whisper, nor a rumour you scroll past on social media. Florian Wirtz is set to become a Liverpool player, with the 22-year-old expected on Merseyside this week for a medical ahead of a blockbuster move from Bayer Leverkusen. Advertisement An agreement reached with Leverkusen last Friday, believed to be worth up to £116.5 million including add-ons, will make Wirtz one of the most expensive players in British football history. The move isn't just seismic in terms of money, it represents Liverpool's sharp return to the top table of Europe's transfer market — a pointed statement from Premier League champions who've reasserted their power under Arne Slot. Shifting Allegiances in Germany In Germany, the reaction has been far from unanimous. On talkSPORT's Trans Europe Express, German football journalist Raphael Honigstein didn't hold back. 'For the Bundesliga, of course, it's a shame to not see him for a little bit longer,' he explained. 'I think he's going to be the next superstar like [Kevin] De Bruyne, like [Erling] Haaland, that people would have liked to see a bit longer.' There's a sense of collective disappointment — not necessarily anger — across German football, but one club in particular will feel the sting more than most. Bayern Munich's aggressive pursuit of Wirtz was no secret. Yet despite their best efforts and usual dominance in hoovering up domestic talent, they've been rebuffed. Advertisement 'Bayern feel, of course, that they have missed out,' Honigstein continued. 'They've been very, very vocal, as they often are, about trying to get him in. When they do that, of course they are exposed, and they've been the target of a lot of shunning for that, as you can expect, in Germany because they missed out on him.' Liverpool's Growing Pull in Germany While Bayern lick their wounds, there's little resentment towards Liverpool, who are now firmly entrenched as a beloved club among many German supporters. Jurgen Klopp's tenure certainly helped build that bridge, but Arne Slot's Premier League triumph in his debut season has kept the momentum going. Honigstein believes the move could actually boost interest in English football back in Germany. Advertisement 'At the same time, I think German football will be happy. It's not the Bundesliga, but it is Florian Wirtz playing – just like [Jurgen] Klopp was coaching – at such a massive club in the Premier League,' he said. 'I think the attention will be huge for him, and more people than ever before will watch Liverpool with him, trying to figure out where his journey is heading, what his role will be.' Photo: IMAGO In truth, the deal underlines a fundamental shift in European football's power balance. Bayern's previous successes in attracting elite German talent — from Lahm to Neuer to Hummels — are no longer guarantees. Wirtz's decision to spurn their interest in favour of Anfield signals a generational shift, not just in his career, but in how top German prospects view their options. Big Gamble or Calculated Coup? For Liverpool, the fee might raise eyebrows. Over £100 million for a player yet to taste Premier League football is a huge outlay, particularly for owners like FSG who have often prioritised financial sustainability. But the club's track record in big-money signings — from Alisson to Van Dijk — suggests their due diligence is thorough. Advertisement Wirtz is not just a flashy technician, he's a well-rounded talent. Didi Hamann, familiar with both Anfield and the Bundesliga, is confident the playmaker has what it takes to thrive. Hamann pointed out Wirtz's blend of flair and physicality, traits essential for adapting to England's high-speed football. With Wirtz's creativity, Liverpool are not just bolstering their midfield, they're potentially redefining it. For German football fans, his absence will be felt. But in a league long dominated by Bayern, there's also relief that Wirtz isn't staying in the Bundesliga to strengthen their stranglehold. Instead, he'll be donning Liverpool red, ready to test himself at the highest level under the bright lights of Anfield.
