Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC tips and predictions: Maresca’s men to lead by example against LA’s finest

Chelsea state of play 

The newly crowned Conference League winners secured Champions League football on the final day of the Premier League season, and will head to the US for the Club World Cup, in good spirits, with a strong chance in the betting markets.

Enzo Maresca still has to convince the fanbase he’s the man long term to lead their charge, who will be under pressure to at least make it out of Group D over the next week.

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One of the main advantages Chelsea have over other squads is their depth - and after a long, gruelling campaign fighting across four competitions, this may just be Maresca’s ace card.

Chelsea arrive having won four of their last five matches - and are expected to breeze past their opponents - but what they have left in the tank is anyone’s guess.

Los Angeles state of play 

The MLS side were late entries into the Club World Cup having beaten Club America in a play-off match last month. 

Club Leon were kicked out and Los Angeles FC took their opportunity with both hands. A dramatic last minute equaliser from Igor Jesus forced extra time, before Denis Bouanga sealed their confirmation in Group D.

However, despite being unbeaten in their last 10 matches, Los Angeles FC aren’t expected to qualify to the knockout stage, according to the bookmakers, who hold both Chelsea and Flamengo in higher regard. 

Their inability to keep clean sheets (just two from 10) is a concern against stronger opposition than what they are used to facing - and this is where the bookies may have priced them accurately.

Key talking point: Can Jackson be Chelsea’s main man?

All eyes will naturally be drawn to Cole Palmer, yet despite finishing the Premier League campaign as the club’s top goalscorer (15), the England international didn’t have the best of campaigns in the second half of the season.

Forward Nicolas Jackson will be Maresca’s no.9 of choice. Although the Senegalese striker continues to divide opinion, he still managed to score 10 Premier League goals last campaign. 

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Throw in two FA Cup goals as well as three in the Conference League, the 23-year-old has a key part to play this summer.

After his ill-timed red card against Newcastle, Jackson needs to get back doing what he does best in order to win over his fans - and a goal or two against Los Angeles FC will be a step in the right direction.

FIRST’s top tip for Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC

Pick: Chelsea and over 2.5 goals at 5/6 (Betway)

Although Los Angeles FC head into this tournament in good form - they weren’t originally invited - and have had far less time to prepare. 

Conceding in eight of their last ten is concerning, and Chelsea’s attack should prove too strong in their opening match. In which case the asian handicap market may prove a valuable and profitable margin.

Team news 

Chelsea welcome back Andrey Santos after a successful spell on loan at Strasbourg. The Brazilian will be an option for Maresca throughout the tournament, who will decide whether or not to keep him next campaign.

Their head coach will be delighted that he has no major injuries concerns to worry about, boasting a fully fit squad that has travelled to the US. Only Wesley Fofana who has been out long term with a hamstring injury won’t be part of their Club World Cup team.

With Olivier Giroud appearing a bit part player at the moment, Los Angeles FC’s forward Denis Bouanga will be their main threat in this tournament. After scoring 21 goals in 36 MLS appearances last term, the 30-year-old has started 2025 strong with eight goals and five assists in just 15 matches. 

The Gabonese striker has pace, power and is confident from 12 yards. Chelsea can’t afford to give him any room inside the 18 yard box.

Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC predicted line-ups 

Chelsea: Sanchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Adarabioyo, James, Caicedo, Fernandez, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Jackson (4-2-3-1) 

LAFC: Lloris; Hollingshead, Marlon, Segura, Palencia, Tillman, Delgado, Jesus, Yeboah, Bouanga, Ebobisse (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions): 

Chelsea: LWWWWWLWWW

LAFC: WDDWDWDDDW

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Odds correct at the time of writing.