New Jersey is the stage for a transatlantic tussle as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have revealed their starting lineups for the highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup final. The clash, held at MetLife Stadium, sees both European powerhouses vying for the prestigious title.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made two notable changes to the side that triumphed in the semi-finals. Club captain Reece James returns to the starting eleven, a significant boost for the Londoners. Levi Colwill also comes back into the heart of the defense after serving a suspension.
The Blues are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Robert Sanchez retains his place in goal, shielded by a backline of Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, the returning Colwill, and Marc Cucurella. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will anchor the midfield, providing a platform for an attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and the in-form Joao Pedro, who will operate as the central striker.
Chelsea Starting XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Neto, Joao Pedro.
On the Parisian side, Luis Enrique has also named a formidable lineup, set to deploy in a 4-3-3 formation. Gianluigi Donnarumma stands between the posts, with a defensive line of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, and Nuno Mendes.
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves tasked with controlling the tempo for PSG. The French champions boast a fearsome attacking force, with Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue leading the line.
**Paris Saint-Germain Starting XI:** Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Vitinha, Ruiz, Neves; Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Doue.
The final promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams fielding star-studded lineups in their quest to be crowned Club World Cup champions.
