Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liam Delap: The 22-year-old striker will don Chelsea’s infamous number nine jersey after making the switch from Ipswich Town, where Delap impressed with 12 goals but more importantly showed signs of being a top striker in the making. Delap has all the attributes of being a traditional number nine and it's only time before he rekindles his connection on the pitch with former Manchester City teammate Cole Palmer.

Cole Palmer: Moving to the number 10 jersey this season, Palmer is welcoming more pressure. The 23-year-old midfielder faded towards the second half of the season, however, came to the forefront against Tottenham, Liverpool and Real Betis when his team needed him most. Palmer seemed to suffer in the absence of a focal point in attack, but now with the arrival of Delap joining the ranks of Nicolas Jackson, there should be more consistency.

Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea’s captain got stuck in during the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, enduring a difficult first half to score and level matters for the Blues at the hour mark. Going on to further impose his will by setting up fellow midfield warrior Moises Caicedo for the fourth goal and getting the celebrations underway. A World Cup winner with Argentina, Enzo thrives during knockout cup football.

CHELSEA TEAM NEWS

Chelsea was making major moves during the transfer window, signing Delap to add depth to the number nine role, while the search for a world-class goalkeeper continues. Borussia Dortmund’s left winger Jamie Gittens is reportedly a top target for the Blues, set to replace Jadon Sancho who has returned to Manchester United.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Olivier Giroud: The Frenchman has the killer instinct to be in the right place at the right time. No longer starting every match at the ripe age of 38, whether coming off the bench or starting from the first whistle, expect Chelsea’s former number nine to make an impact in front of his new fans in the USA.

Denis Bouanga: The 30-year-old Gabonese forward is in red-hot scoring form, tallying nine goals and five assists from the last 10 matches. Bouanga has an exceptional ability to take powerful corners, putting the ball into dangerous spaces at high velocity for his teammates in 50/50 situations.

Igor Jesus: The Brazilian midfielder will have his hands full going up against Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer. The former Flamengo youth product had a spell in Portugal with Estrela da Amadora and would love to return to elite European-level football. The 22-year-old is presented with the perfect litmus test against top-quality opposition with the eyes of the world watching.

LOS ANGELES FC TEAM NEWS

Italian centre-back Lorenzo Dellavalle is ruled out after tearing his ACL, while Carlos Vela’s successor David Martinez and Estonian youngster Nathan Ordaz remain doubtful.
However, manager Steve Cherundolo will be sweating most over the fitness of attacking midfielder Cengiz Under, who will add instant quality to the LAFC team going forward.

Over 2.5 Goals: There’s bound to be plenty of goals in this clash, the easiest way to cash in would be taking this bet. (56/100 with Betway) (55/100 with Stake) (55/100 with Betfred). 

Chelsea To Score in Both Halves: Chelsea will be aiming to make an early statement and with former foe Hugo Lloris between the opposition’s sticks, expect Maresca to unleash all his weapons from the first whistle. (101/100 with Betway) (105/100 with Stake) (103/100 with Betfred)

Anytime Goalscorer – Cole Palmer: Seeing as Palmer is responsible for penalty and free-kick duty, this bet always makes sense. (110/100 with Betway) (107/100 with Stake) (109/100 with Betfred)