Brazilian side Fluminense will take on Premier League powerhouse Chelsea on Tuesday to decide one of the finalists for the FIFA Club World Cup as the sides meet at MetLife Stadium.
Fluminense have already knocked Inter Milan out of the competition, but face their toughest test against a Chelsea side that has weapons at every level. With two key players suspended, the Tricolor will need fortune on their side to knock out the Blues.
Find out which player we’re keying on in our Fluminense vs. Chelsea predictions and FIFA Club World Cup free picks for Tuesday, July 8.
Chelsea vs Fluminese picks and predictions
My Chelsea vs Fluminese best bet: Marc Cucurella 1+ shots on target (+330 at FanDuel)
One area Fluminense have struggled defensively is containing attacking full-backs and wing-backs. When they faced Inter Milan, Federico Dimarco managed five shots in 90 minutes, putting two efforts on goal. He also created two chances in the match.
Marc Cucurella has often tucked inside for Chelsea when they have possession, almost as a left-sided No. 10. It’s not only allowed him to help influence play, but it’s also provided him the chance to take shots from dangerous positions.
In Chelsea’s win over Palmeiras, Cucurella attempted two shots from a central area. One was put over the bar, while the other rolled comfortably to the keeper, but the previous match against Benfica also saw him shoot twice from dangerous areas inside the box, both of which he put on target before halftime.
Fluminense will be overwhelmed in this match and will likely sit back much as they did against Al Hilal while looking to hit on the break. Chelsea’s attack contains far more weapons than the one presented by the Saudi side, and the Brazilian outfit will need to track Chelsea’s forwards as well as midfielder Cole Palmer.
This will open up space for Cucurella to take advantage of. He’s never afraid to shoot, and Palmer’s presence will open up channels for him to occupy in the final third.
It’s not often I give out a best bet with such high odds, but the fact these odds are so high is exactly why I love this play so much. To give Cucurella a price at implied odds of 22.2% is simply too good to overlook, especially with this price as low as +230 at other sportsbooks.
Chelsea vs Fluminese same-game parlay (SGP)
Marc Cucurella 1+ shots on target
Chelsea moneyline
Chelsea Over 4.5 corners
Chelsea managed 10 corners against Palmeiras after having eight in regulation against Benfica. The Blues are going to pin Fluminense back for long periods, and the Tricolor conceded 12 corners against Al Hilal after allowing five to Inter Milan. We’ll take Chelsea to match that floor of five corners.
The suspensions of Martinelli and Juan Pablo Freytes are devastating to Fluminense’s chances. Not only will it likely require a change to the back four, but it costs them their most influential central midfielder.
Chelsea will have Moises Caicedo back from suspension, and they have simply too many weapons in attack. They will eventually wear down the Brazilian side and book their place in the final within regulation.
Chelsea vs Fluminese odds
| Chelsea | Fluminese | |
|---|---|---|
| -150 | Moneyline | +425 |
| +270 | Draw | +270 |
| Over 2.5 (+105) | Total | Under 2.5 (-134) |
Odds courtesy of bet365.
How to watch Chelsea vs Fluminese
| Location | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ |
| Date | Tuesday, 7-8-2025 |
| Time | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | DAZN |
| Weather | 104F, PoP 47%, Winds 9-20 mph |
Chelsea vs Fluminese key injuries
Chelsea: Reece James D (Questionable), Romeo Lavia M (Questionable), Benoit Badiashile D (Out), Jamie Gittens F (Doubtful), Wesley Fofana D (Out).
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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