Chelsea will reach the Club World Cup final when they take on Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal in Wednesday’s semi-final with kickoff at 7:30 pm.
The Champions League winners Chelsea, joined the competition at the quarter-final stage, but Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal played a semi-final against Al Jazira Club on Sunday, winning 6-1.
Al-Hilal, who defeated South Korean outfit Pohang Steelers in the final of the AFC Champions League on November 29, have already qualified for the Club World Cup.
In addition, the Blue Waves have won eight and drawn seven of their 17 Saudi Professional League matches this season to occupy the fourth spot in the table with 31 points, 13 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.
Al-Hilal put in an excellent performance in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, where they ran out 6-1 winners over Al Jazira Club to breeze into the final of the competition. Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo levelled the scores in the 36th minute before Al-Hilal netted another five times without reply.
Chelsea, meanwhile, last competed in the Club World Cup back in 2012, suffering a surprise 1-0 loss to Brazilian outfit Corinthians. Chelsea qualified for the tournament through their Champions League success last term. She will undoubtedly be the favourites to win this semi-final before potentially taking on Palmeiras or Al Ahly in the final.
Al Hilal vs Chelsea Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face each other, which marks their encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Al Hilal 6-1 Al Jazira
- Al-Batin 1-1 Al-Hilal
- Al-Hilal 3-2 Al-Taawoun
- Al Tai 0-4 Al-Hilal
- Hilal Saudi 2-2 Al-Faisaly
Away
- Chelsea 2-1 Plymouth Argyle
- Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham
- Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
- Man City 1-0 Chelsea
- Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea
Al-Hilal Tam News
Al Hilal have no fresh injury concerns, so we expect the same starting XI against Chelsea as they used in their semi-final. Ighalo scored their goal against Al Jazira Club, and the Nigerian is hoping his experience of facing Chelsea before will help his side win in this match.
Chelsea Team News
Hamstring trouble has prevented Chelsea right-back Reece James from joining up with the squad, but he is expected to join up later. Forward Edouard Mendy will travel with his teammates after taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations final for Senegal. Despite picking up a slight knock in the game against Plymouth, Mason Mount is included.
Prediction and Odds
Chelsea could have a hard time considering the conditions–we’re not expecting the Blues to breeze into the final.
- Chelsea Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score
