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Friday’s clash in Philadelphia is effectively a fight for top spot in Group D, after both sides won their opening matches. Flamengo were 2-0 winners against Tunisian outfit Esperance de Tunis, while Chelsea beat LAFC by the same scoreline. The Blues were able to cruise in their opening victory but face a much bigger test in their second game, with their opponents leading the way in Brazil’s top flight. GET £30 IN FREE BETS WITH TALKSPORT BET Flamengo vs Chelsea betting tips Defensive concerns could see Blues concede Chelsea kept a clean sheet in their opener against weak MLS opposition, but they still had some shaky moments at the back, as LAFC registered seven shots, with four testing Robert Sanchez. Flamengo are expected to carry more of an attacking threat than Los Angeles, suggesting Chelsea’s defence will be punished if they leave the same gaps again. The Blues have a habit of switching off for large chunks of a game, especially when they’re leading. It could be the inexperience of their young side causing them to sit back, although Enzo Maresca occasionally lacks the aggressive approach of many of his Premier League counterparts. However, the fact that Chelsea could bring Enzo Fernandez off the bench to seal their win points to their attacking depth. A £106million super sub points to the Blues having too much for Flamengo, especially as the competition for the striker spot heats up. Neto can continue his bright start Pedro Neto’s first season at Chelsea saw the Portuguese winger limited due to his positional flexibility. He played on the left and right, while he served as Nicolas Jackson’s replacement up front due to the Blues’ lack of depth in that position. However, the Portuguese has flourished on the right-wing, to the point that Noni Madueke has been shunted out to the left, and he was outstanding against LAFC, scoring Chelsea’s opener. Neto should hold on to his place, especially after impressing as a creative force too. The winger created four chances against LAFC, finishing with the second-highest Expected Assists. The Blues need Neto’s ball-carrying and passing to lift the burden and focus on Cole Palmer and he may oblige. There’s plenty of promise in the potential link-up between him and Liam Delap, given how the striker peeled off to the right in his debut. Neto should get chances to drift centrally into space, so he can have a big impact on this game. Impressive Enzo only growing in confidence Fernandez has had his doubters at Stamford Bridge, especially after his absence helped to spark their strong finish to Mauricio Pochettino’s reign. However, the Argentine has adapted to his role in the team over time, flourishing in a more attacking role. The Argentinian has recorded 15 shots on target in his last 18 games for the club and that includes two efforts on target from three shots against LAFC, one of which found the back of the net. Fernandez may find himself off the bench again, but he’s really making an impression as a substitute. With the fiery midfielder facing Brazilian opposition, he’ll be desperate to make an impact. Get all the latest football betting odds at talk SPORT BET GET £30 IN FREE BETS WITH TALKSPORT BET Odds correct at time of publish and subject to change* 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile or app & bet £10+ on any football market at 2. 00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. Gamble Aware. org | Please gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www. gamstop. co. uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talk SPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware. org © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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