The FIFA Club World Cup group stage culminates in a high-stakes clash at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where Espérance de Tunis face English giants Chelsea. With a spot in the last 16 at stake, both teams are under pressure to deliver in this pivotal Group D encounter.
Scheduled for June 25, 2025, at 01:00 GMT+0, the match will be officiated by Argentine referee Yael Perez, known for his strict approach, averaging 4.2 yellow cards per game. Played at the 67,594-capacity Lincoln Financial Field, this FIFA Club World Cup group stage fixture promises intensity, as Espérance need a win to advance, while Chelsea can secure progression with just a draw.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
The Esperance Tunis vs Chelsea prediction today hinges on recent form, key absences, and tactical matchups. Both teams have shown resilience in the FIFA Club World Cup, with Espérance bouncing back from a loss and Chelsea aiming to avoid consecutive defeats. Understanding their latest results and historical context is crucial for informed betting. This section sets the stage for a detailed look at each team’s performance. Expect a tactical battle shaped by individual brilliance and team dynamics.
Espérance Tunis Results
Espérance de Tunis, the 34-time Tunisian champions, have been in solid form across competitions. Their recent FIFA Club World Cup win against LAFC showcased defensive grit, while domestic cup victories highlight their attacking depth. However, facing Chelsea represents a significant step up in quality.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 21/06/2025 | CWC | Los Angeles FC vs Espérance Tunis | 0-1 | W |
| 17/06/2025 | CWC | Flamengo RJ vs Espérance Tunis | 2-0 | L |
| 01/06/2025 | CUP | Espérance Tunis vs Stade Tunisien | 1-0 | W |
| 25/05/2025 | CUP | Ben Guerdane vs Espérance Tunis | 0-3 | W |
| 18/05/2025 | CUP | Espérance Tunis vs Zarzis | 3-1 | W |
Espérance’s 1-0 win over LAFC, sealed by a 101st-minute penalty save, underlines their defensive resilience. Their domestic cup form, with three consecutive wins, shows attacking consistency, scoring seven goals in three matches. However, the 2-0 loss to Flamengo exposed vulnerabilities against high-pressing teams. Late goals have been a trend, with four of their last five strikes coming after the 65th minute. Facing Chelsea’s superior firepower will test their backline’s discipline.
Chelsea Results
Chelsea, despite a recent setback, remain a formidable force in the FIFA Club World Cup. Their 3-1 loss to Flamengo ended a four-match winning streak, but their attacking output remains potent. The Blues’ ability to keep clean sheets in recent victories adds to their edge.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 20/06/2025 | CWC | Flamengo RJ vs Chelsea | 3-1 | L |
| 16/06/2025 | CWC | Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC | 2-0 | W |
| 28/05/2025 | CL | Betis vs Chelsea | 1-4 | W |
| 25/05/2025 | PL | Nottingham vs Chelsea | 0-1 | W |
| 16/05/2025 | PL | Chelsea vs Manchester Utd | 1-0 | W |
Chelsea’s loss to Flamengo, where they conceded twice in three minutes, highlighted defensive lapses under pressure. Their 2.6 xG faced was a rare high, indicating areas for improvement. However, four of their last five wins came with clean sheets, showcasing defensive solidity. Pedro Neto’s back-to-back goals in the CWC underline his form. A draw is enough for Chelsea to advance, which may influence their approach.
Head-to-Head: Espérance Tunis vs Chelsea (No Previous Meetings)
This match marks the first-ever encounter between Espérance Tunis and Chelsea. It’s also the first time either club has faced an opponent from the other’s continent. Without historical data, the focus shifts to current form and tactical fit.
Espérance Tunis Possible Starting Lineup
Espérance is likely to field a defensively solid 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on Bechir Ben Saïd’s goalkeeping prowess and Youcef Belaili’s creativity in attack:
Ben Said (GK), Ben Ali (DF), Tougai (DF), Meriah (DF), Ben Hamida (DF), Guenichi (MF), Ogbelu (MF), Mokwana (MF), Konate (MF), Belaili (FW), Rodrigo (FW).
Chelsea Possible Starting Lineup
Chelsea are expected to deploy a 4-4-2 setup, with Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer leading the attacking threat, while Moises Caicedo anchors the midfield:
Sanchez (GK), James (DF), Chalobah (DF), Colwill (DF), Cucurella (DF), Caicedo (MF), Fernandez (MF), Madueke (MF), Palmer (MF), Neto (FW), Delap (FW).
Injured and Questionable Players
Player availability is a critical factor in the Esperance Tunis vs Chelsea match prediction. Below is a table detailing the players who are confirmed to be unavailable due to injuries or suspensions, impacting the tactical setups for both teams.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Espérance Tunis | Nicolas de la Cruz | Injury |
| Chelsea | Nicolas Jackson | Suspension (Red Card) |
Key Factors to Watch
The Esperance Tunis vs Chelsea betting tips revolve around critical elements that could sway the outcome. Both teams face unique challenges, from injuries to tactical adjustments. Below are the pivotal aspects to consider:
- Espérance’s Defensive Form: A clean sheet against LAFC, thanks to Bechir Ben Saïd’s penalty save, shows their backline’s resilience;
- Chelsea’s Attacking Threat: Pedro Neto’s consecutive CWC goals make him a focal point in attack;
- Key Absences: Espérance miss Nicolas de la Cruz, impacting midfield creativity, while Chelsea are without Nicolas Jackson due to a red card;
- Late Scoring Trend: Espérance’s last four goals came after the 65th minute, suggesting a knack for late breakthroughs;
- Chelsea’s Defensive Lapses: A 2.6 xG faced against Flamengo indicates vulnerability under pressure;
- Motivation Factor: Espérance need a win to advance, while Chelsea can progress with a draw, potentially affecting their aggression;
- Referee Influence: Yael Perez’s strict officiating (4.2 yellow cards per game) could lead to cautions in a tense match;
- Form Streaks: Espérance won 10 of their last 13 matches, but Chelsea haven’t lost back-to-back games since February.
Free Tips on Espérance Tunis vs Chelsea
To craft a reliable Esperance Tunis vs Chelsea prediction today, bettors should consider specific statistical and contextual factors unique to this FIFA Club World Cup clash. This list highlights key areas to focus on, derived from team and player data, to enhance your betting strategy. These tips aim to provide actionable insights for the match on June 25, 2025.
- Home vs. Away Dynamics: Chelsea’s strong away form, with wins like 1-0 at Nottingham and 4-1 at Betis, suggests they adapt well on the road, while Espérance’s home-like atmosphere in Philadelphia may be diluted in a neutral venue.
- Player Form Focus: Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, with goals in both CWC matches, is in prime scoring form, increasing the likelihood of him influencing the game compared to Espérance’s less consistent attacking options.
- Pitch and Weather Impact: Lincoln Financial Field’s natural grass pitch, if affected by June’s potential rain, could slow play, favoring Chelsea’s controlled passing over Espérance’s reliance on quick transitions.
- Recent Schedule Fatigue: Espérance’s lighter domestic schedule contrasts with Chelsea’s congested fixtures across the Premier League and Champions League, potentially impacting the Blues’ energy levels.
- Fan Influence: The neutral venue reduces Espérance’s usual passionate home support, while Chelsea’s global fanbase may create a slight psychological edge in the stands.
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Esperance Tunis vs Chelsea Match Prediction 2025
The Esperance Tunis vs Chelsea prediction 2025 leans toward a Chelsea victory, but the match is likely to be closer than the odds suggest. Chelsea’s superior squad depth and attacking quality, led by Pedro Neto, give them an edge, despite their recent defensive wobble against Flamengo. Espérance’s defensive solidity, highlighted by Bechir Ben Saïd’s heroics, will make it tough for Chelsea to run away with the game. However, the absence of Nicolas de la Cruz limits Espérance’s midfield dynamism, while Chelsea’s ability to keep clean sheets in four of their last five wins bodes well. The Esperance Tunis vs Chelsea odds reflect Chelsea as heavy favorites, but their tendency to score under 2.5 goals in six of their last seven matches suggests a low-scoring affair. Espérance’s late-scoring habit could keep the game competitive, but Chelsea’s experience in high-stakes matches should see them through. A 1-0 Chelsea win is the most likely outcome, balancing their need for a result with Espérance’s defensive resilience. The Blues’ tactical discipline and ability to exploit Espérance’s midfield weakness will likely prove decisive.
Our Prediction: Espérance Tunis 0-1 Chelsea
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Outcome | Chelsea to Win | 1.28 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | 2.12 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.61 |
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