Flamengo vs Chelsea Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 20.06.2025

• Date and Time: Friday, June 20, 2025, 20:00 GMT+1
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA

Flamengo vs Chelsea Preview and Team News 

Flamengo Team News

Filipe Luís’ side are in excellent form, sitting atop the Brazilian league and resembling the dominant squad that won the Copa Libertadores two years ago. 

Their opening win against Espérance was a perfect illustration of their current confidence. They totally dominated: controlled possession, created many clear-cut chances through magic combinations, and were defensively solid. Goals from the ever-brilliant Giorgian de Arrascaeta and the Luiz Araújo sealed a comfortable three points.

About last night ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/BI03wnlxUi

— Flamengo (@Flamengo_en) June 17, 2025

The big story for Flamengo is the successful integration of their new signing, Jorginho. The former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder made his debut against Espérance and immediately showed his class, even providing the assist for Araújo’s goal. 

His presence at the centre of midfield adds a new level of possession control and experience to the team. Additionally, the storyline of him facing his former club, with which he won this trophy in its previous format, brings an intriguing emotional element to the match.

It’s what he does 🤷‍♂️ https://t.co/4nyvtk7bqU

— Flamengo (@Flamengo_en) June 17, 2025

However, it’s not all positive news for the Brazilians. They will be missing a crucial player, as Uruguayan international Nicolás de la Cruz is confirmed to be out with a knee injury. His ability to connect the midfield to the attack, along with his relentless energy and keen eye for penetrating passes, will be missed.

With de la Cruz absent, the creative responsibilities will now rest heavily on De Arrascaeta. 

Flamengo predicted lineup vs Chelsea

Flamengo predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Rossi; Varela, Ortiz, Pereira, Lucas; Jorginho, Pulgar; Araujo, De Arrascaeta, Gerson; Pedro

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea continue to play with the clear tactical direction of new manager Enzo Maresca. 

After UEFA Conference League triumph and Champions League qualification, the mission is to implement Maresca’s complex positional play on the world stage.

Their 2-0 win over LAFC was a textbook example of what the Italian coach demands: patience and control in possession, as well as the creation of superiority in key areas of the pitch. Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández, assisted by debutant Liam Delap, secured the opening win.

Off to a great start. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/l4t0MhLMle

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 16, 2025

The most significant development from their first match was the impactful debut of Liam Delap. The 30 million euro signing from Ipswich Town came off the bench and immediately provided the kind of physical presence that Chelsea have sometimes lacked, ending his first appearance with an assist. 

His performance puts real pressure on Nicolas Jackson for the starting number nine spot and provides Maresca with a valuable tactical alternative.

The team revolves around the midfield axis of Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández, with Cole Palmer operating in a free role as their chief creator. Maresca’s system is demanding, but the players appear to be adapting well, and their technical quality across the pitch is undeniable.

Regarding injuries, long-term absentee Wesley Fofana is out for some time, and his absence is already factored into the squad’s structure. 

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Flamengo

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Flamengo (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson

Flamengo vs Chelsea Prediction 

• Pick: Chelsea to win
• Odds: 1.74 (22Bet)
• Score prediction: Flamengo 1-2 Chelsea

This encounter promises to be a tactical, high-stakes battle. Both teams are adept at controlling the ball, but they do so for different reasons. 

Chelsea use possession as a structural weapon to disorganise the opponent by overloading the centre. Flamengo choose it as a platform for their fluid attacking talent and intricate combinations.

The decisive factor may well be Chelsea’s inverted full-back 3-2-2-3 system. It can perfectly counter a Flamengo’s 4-2-3-1 formation. 

Delap’s debut. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JLBDQqn7bL

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 17, 2025

By creating that central overload 4v3, they can systematically break down the Brazilian side through the centre. They can also create isolated 1v1s on the wings, where they have an advantage in pace with Neto and Madueke.

Although Flamengo’s press is formidable, Maresca’s teams excel at playing through pressure. Chelsea effectively exploit a high defensive line with timely passes and runs from Cole Palmer and Nicholas Jackson.

The absence of Nicolás de la Cruz for Flamengo is significant; it removes crucial play in both their attacking and defensive phases. 

What a team. pic.twitter.com/19yUCcDcbE

— Flamengo (@Flamengo_en) June 17, 2025

Although De Arrascaeta is world-class and Pedro is a lethal finisher, Maresca’s individual quality should give them a slight edge. Expect a close match, but Chelsea’s attacking approach ultimately prevails against the Brazilian defense.

Flamengo vs Chelsea Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Both teams to score
• Odds: 1.81 (22Bet)

Although Chelsea are favoured to win, Flamengo have plenty of offensive power to score.

Their attacking strategy, led by the brilliance of De Arrascaeta and the goal-scoring ability of Pedro, makes them a threat to any defence in the world. 

Chelsea are still adjusting to Maresca’s pressing system and can be vulnerable during transitions from attack to defence. Therefore, it seems highly probable that the South American champions will find the back of the net. 

The safest and most logical choice is that both teams will score in what should be an exciting encounter.

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