The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup schedule includes a match this Monday featuring a major English Premier League club, Chelsea, facing off against one of America`s prominent MLS teams, LAFC. Chelsea is a global football powerhouse set to return to the UEFA Champions League next season following their fourth-place finish in the EPL. In contrast, LAFC, who were MLS champions in 2022 and won the U.S. Open Cup last season, currently find themselves fifth in the Western Conference standings.
The game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. ET kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green, who has a strong track record with profitable picks in various soccer competitions, provides his insights and predictions for this encounter.
Based on his analysis, here are Green`s key predictions:
- Chelsea to win by a margin of 1.5 goals or more.
- Chelsea to score over 2.5 goals.
- Both teams to score.
Explaining the prediction for a significant Chelsea victory margin, Green highlights the considerable talent disparity between the two squads. Chelsea`s ownership has invested massively in player transfers since 2022, dwarfing LAFC`s spending since their inception. Furthermore, Chelsea concluded their recent season in impressive form, while LAFC is in the midst of a less successful period in their current campaign. Green anticipates that Chelsea`s squad depth will allow them to overcome potential fatigue from their long season and demonstrate clear superiority over LAFC.
Regarding Chelsea scoring multiple goals, LAFC`s position mid-way through their own league season presents a challenge; they must balance competing in this global event with maintaining form for their MLS campaign. Chelsea, although coming off a full EPL schedule, finished remarkably strongly, securing wins in eight of their final nine matches across all competitions, including a convincing 4-1 victory in the UEFA Conference League Final. Even with possible squad rotation, Chelsea`s attacking depth is expected to allow them to find the net frequently.
The prediction that both teams will score reflects the typical dynamic when English and American clubs meet. MLS teams are often motivated to prove their standing against European giants, while EPL teams aim to reinforce their global dominance. Green points out that Chelsea`s defense has shown some vulnerability, suggesting that LAFC could score. However, he believes Chelsea`s potent attack will still score multiple goals against LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
