Chelsea enter Sunday’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain as clear underdogs. The two prominent European teams are scheduled to compete at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the conclusion of the extended 2024/2025 season.
Paris Saint-Germain aims to build on their inaugural UEFA Champions League triumph by securing the world title. The French club demonstrated their strength with a convincing four-goal performance against Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
Chelsea, with Reece James as captain and Enzo Maresca as manager, have stated their belief that they are prepared to face and beat the PSG team currently managed by Luis Enrique.
Chelsea have demonstrated solid performance recently; however, some observers suggest their path to the final was relatively straightforward. The team secured victories against Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense during the knockout stages, whereas Paris Saint-Germain overcame Inter Miami, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid to reach the final. Notably, PSG have already defeated four English teams this season and will aim to include Chelsea among their successes.
To defeat PSG, Chelsea need to minimize defensive errors, as demonstrated by the three goals PSG scored against Real Madrid in the opening 24 minutes—each resulting from lapses in Madrid’s defense. For this reason, similar mistakes should be avoided in their upcoming match. PSG’s pressing is initiated by Ousmane Dembele, who positions himself near the opposition’s penalty area ahead of goal kicks.
Robert Sanchez’s poor footwork remains a concern. Levi Colwill returns from suspension and should partner Trevoh Chalobah centrally, with Marc Cucurella set to start and either Malo Gusto or Reece James at right-back.
Maresca will need to organize his team appropriately from the outset to reduce the effectiveness of PSG’s preferred style of play. The use of Gusto or James as inverted midfielders has not produced favorable results in several matches. In the UEFA Conference League final, Gusto was involved in a goal conceded while playing in an advanced role, and James has not performed at the same level in central positions, particularly when other players are available for those roles. Chelsea’s right-back—whether Gusto or James—should avoid moving into central areas given the direct attacking threats posed by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes.
While PSG’s attack and fullbacks often get attention, their midfield is key. Enrique showed courage letting go of Marco Verratti, but his decision led to a well-balanced midfield with Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz.
Vitinha operates in a deeper position, providing Neves and Ruiz with opportunities to advance and support the attack periodically. This trio demonstrates exceptional passing ability and is adept at breaking through defensive lines.
For Chelsea, it is noteworthy that their high-profile signings, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, have shown significant development and maturity this season.
Paris Saint-Germain is frequently recognized for their proficiency in creating scoring opportunities and converting them effectively; however, Chelsea also demonstrates comparable offensive capabilities when performing at their best.
Nicolas Jackson’s recent missed opportunities have contributed to calls for a new number 9 from fans, and the club has since signed two players for this position. Jackson is expected not to start, as João Pedro—who scored twice in his first start—is likely to feature as the main forward.
Chelsea have the creative capabilities of Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Fernandez to generate opportunities; however, it is imperative that those receiving these chances capitalize on them, as such opportunities may be limited.
