ES Tunis vs Chelsea tips and predictions: Blues eye Club World Cup last 16

ES Tunis state of play

ES Tunis edged past LAFC last week with a 1-0 win in Nashville to keep their Club World Cup hopes alive. 

Youcef Belaili bagged the decisive goal in the 70th minute and goalkeeper Ben Said saved a penalty deep in second-half stoppage time. 

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The result keeps the Tunisian side's hopes of progression alive heading into the decisive crunch clash with Chelsea. 

Speaking after the LAFC showdown, ES Tunis boss Maher Kanzari said: “[It] gave us the feeling that we can keep playing.”

ES Tunis bagged their 34th title in the Tunisian top tier this year. They are the most successful Tunisian club nationally and internationally in all competitions. 

Chelsea state of play 

Chelsea suffered a second-half collapse against Flamengo on Friday and slumped to a 3-1 defeat in the searing Philadelphia heat. 

The Blues took the lead through former Wolves ace Pedro Neto. However, they conceded twice and lost striker Nicolas Jackson to a red card in a spectacular six-minute implosion. 

"In the second half, we started better compared to the first half," said Blues boss Enzo Maresca. "But we conceded two goals in two minutes and then the red card. It changed the dynamic. They deserved to win." 

Jackson is now suspended in two competitions simultaneously having also been sent packing against Newcastle in May - and you can find all of the Blues’ betting statistics for 2024/2025 right here.

After the underwhelming display against Flamengo, Chelsea now need a win over ES Tunis to qualify for the last 16.

Key talking point: Will Delap step up? 

Delap's impressive displays for Ipswich, who were relegated back to the Championship after just one season in the Premier League, sparked a battle for his services. 

Manchester United, Newcastle, Everton and Nottingham Forest were all reportedly vying for his signature. 

The burly target man now has to deliver - but the early signs are promising. Delap earned an assist when he came on for his debut during the Blues' win over LAFC and he almost scored against Flamengo. 

With Jackson suspended, Delap has the chance to prove he should be the main man in Chelsea's forward line. If ES Tunis defend deep in the first half, it might mean the value bet is to make a wager in-play if the game starts to open up in the second half.  

Although, it’s worth noting that Delap’s disciplinary record isn’t the best either.

FIRST’s top tip for ES Tunis vs Chelsea

Pick: Pedro Neto anytime goalscorer at 41/20 (Bet442)

In the aftermath of the Flamengo clash, the only real positive from a Chelsea perspective was Pedro Neto. 

The versatile forward looked dangerous throughout and claimed his second goal in as many games. 

The Portuguese has never been prolific - and bagged just four goals in the Premier League last term - but he currently looks Chelsea's most dangerous attacking player as Maresca's stars struggle Stateside. 

Extra tips

Pick: Yan Sasse anytime goalscorer at 5/1 (Bet442)

Yan Sasse bagged 10 top-flight goals last season playing off the right flank. The Brazilian came off the bench in the LAFC fixture but started against Flamengo. 

The tricky 27-year-old will be the danger man for the Tunisian champions. 

Pick: Liam Delap yellow card at 19/5 (BetMGM)

Delap is a physical throwback up top. But that also means cautions galore. He picked up 13 bookings in all competitions last season for Ipswich and was cautioned when Chelsea lost to Flamengo. 

Team news

Chelsea have avoided any major injury woes at the Club World Cup squad. However, Jackson is unavailable due to his red card against Flamengo. 

Delap is set to lead the line in the Senegalese star's absence. Noni Madueke will be itching for a return to the fold after starting on the bench last time out.

Read: FIFA Club World Cup betting preview 2025

ES Tunis could name an unchanged side from the one that impressed against LAFC. 

However, Maher Kanzari might be tempted to restore Yan Sasse to the team at the expense of Elias Mokwana on the right wing. 

ES Tunis vs Chelsea predicted line-ups

ES Tunis: Ben Said; Ben Ali, Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida; Sasse, Guenichi, Ogbelu, Konate; Belaili; Rodrigo (4-4-1-1)

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Delap (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions)

ES Tunis: WWWWDWWWLW

Chelsea: WWWWLWWWWL

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Odds correct at the time of writing.