Chelsea Fans’ Dream XI vs Benfica: Club World Cup Lineup Revealed!

KhabriDose.com Football Desk: Chelsea Fans Weigh In – The Dream Lineup for Today’s Crucial Benfica Clash at the Club World Cup

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA – June 29, 2025 – As Chelsea prepares to lock horns with Portuguese giants Benfica in a highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 clash at the Bank of America Stadium, Blues fans across the globe are buzzing with excitement and, naturally, their own ideas on how Enzo Maresca should line up his squad. With silverware on the line in this new-look Club World Cup, supporters are eager to see a strong, attacking XI that can secure passage to the quarter-finals.

KhabriDose.com delved into various fan forums and social media discussions to gauge the pulse of the Chelsea faithful, and a clear preference has emerged for a blend of experienced stalwarts, exciting young talents, and key summer signings. The prevailing sentiment leans towards a flexible 4-3-3 formation, allowing for both defensive solidity and potent attacking transitions.

The Fans’ Preferred Starting XI (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Đorđe Petrović
  • Despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s return from loan, many fans have been impressed by Petrović’s consistency and shot-stopping ability, advocating for him to retain the number one spot.
• Defenders:
  • Right-Back: Reece James (C)
    • The captain remains an undisputed choice, with fans desperate to see his leadership and attacking prowess from the flank.
  • Centre-Backs: Levi Colwill & Mamadou Sarr (New Signing)
    • Colwill’s ball-playing ability is highly valued. Partnering him, fans are keen to see new summer acquisition Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg immediately integrated. His reported physicality and aerial dominance are seen as crucial against Benfica’s attack.
  • Left-Back: Ben Chilwell
    • Chilwell’s experience and attacking output are preferred over Marc Cucurella for this crucial encounter.
• Midfielders:
  • Defensive Midfield: Moisés Caicedo
    • His energy, ball-winning, and covering ability are seen as indispensable at the base of midfield.
  • Central Midfield (Left): Enzo Fernández
    • The World Cup winner’s vision, passing range, and ability to dictate play make him a unanimous choice.
  • Central Midfield (Right): Cole Palmer
    • Fans want to see Palmer’s creativity, goal threat, and composure pushed slightly deeper in a central role, allowing him to influence play from various positions.
• Forwards:
  • Right Wing: Noni Madueke
    • His directness, pace, and dribbling ability are favoured to unlock Benfica’s defence, especially with the potential return of Estêvão Willian still being managed.
  • Striker: Liam Delap (New Signing)
    • With Nicolas Jackson suspended for this match, fans are particularly eager to see new £30m summer signing Liam Delap lead the line. His physicality, clinical finishing, and fresh energy are seen as vital in the absence of other key forwards.
  • Left Wing: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Rumoured Target/Potential New Signing)
    • In a bold move, some sections of the fanbase are even clamouring for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (if he were to sign and be available, following persistent transfer rumours) to start on the left, offering blistering pace and trickery to stretch the opposition. Failing that, Raheem Sterling or Mykhailo Mudryk would be considered, but Bynoe-Gittens represents the aspirational pick.

Fan Sentiment and Expectations:

The general mood among Chelsea supporters is one of cautious optimism. While Benfica are a formidable opponent, especially after their strong showing in the Club World Cup group stage, fans believe that a full-strength, in-form Chelsea side is capable of progressing. The emphasis is on Maresca getting his tactical setup right from the whistle and leveraging the squad’s attacking firepower.

Kick-off is just hours away, and the footballing world waits to see if Chelsea can live up to their fans’ hopes in this significant fixture.