Chelsea Starting XI vs PSG: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup
Caicedo fit for final
Chelsea received a timely tonic before Sunday's Club World Cup showpiece against PSG as Moises Caicedo returned to full training. The Ecuadorian twisted an ankle late in the semi-final victory over Fluminense, yet completed an intensive session at Cobham and then boarded the flight to New Jersey. 'Moises is an important player for us,' said Enzo Maresca ahead of the game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, 'I hope we can have him on Sunday.' His energy next to Enzo Fernandez should steady midfield rhythms and offer the defensive screen required against PSG's quick transitions.
Premier League Everton v Chelsea Moisí s Caicedo of Chelsea and Enzo Maresca manager of Chelsea after the Premier League match Everton vs Chelsea at Goodison Park, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 22nd December 2024 Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images Liverpool Goodison Park Merseyside United Kingdom Copyright: xMarkxCosgrove/NewsxImagesx
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Selection dilemmas in attack
Noni Madueke has departed the Chelsea base, travelling back to London to finalise a £52 million switch to Arsenal, so Maresca's forward options have altered again. Liam Delap, suspended for the 2-0 semi-final, is available, yet Joao Pedro's two-goal debut makes a persuasive case to keep the Brazilian in the central role. Maresca must decide whether to move Pedro wide and reintroduce Delap or maintain the striker who fired Chelsea into this final.
Defensive reinforcements return
Levi Colwill's suspension is served, adding authority to a back line already boosted by the form of Malo Gusto and Trevoh Chalobah. Romeo Lavia remains a concern after missing the quarter-final against Benfica, while teenage arrivals Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian are cup-tied having represented other sides earlier in the tournament. Predicted line-up, 4-2-3-1, reads Sanchez, Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Pedro, Delap.
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Kick off details
MetLife, renowned for its partisan atmosphere, will host an 8 pm BST start on Sunday 13 July 2025, live on Channel 5 and DAZN. Chelsea supporters expect silverware, PSG followers believe Kylian Mbappé's pace will prove decisive. What is certain is that whoever controls midfield tempo will likely collect the trophy and all-important global bragging rights.
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