Chelsea vs. ES Tunis
The Stakes & Context
Chelsea come into this group-stage clash under considerable pressure after a disappointing collapse against Flamengo. Although they’ve collected some points, the Blues must at least avoid defeat to secure passage into the knockout rounds. With adverse conditions—and not without key rotation due to illness, fatigue, and a suspension (Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Nicolas Jackson are in limbo)—Maresca’s men have little margin for error. Meanwhile, the Tunisian champions (ES Tunis) are hungry to upset a top‐flier by employing a disciplined, compact style with swift counter-attacks and a threat on set pieces. In this “must-not-slip” scenario, Chelsea need to dominate possession, keep their defensive shape tight, and take advantage of quick transitions when the Tunis side push forward.
Tactical Blueprint & What to Do
- Chelsea: Likely to line up in a 4‑2‑3‑1, the Blues must press high on the Tunis side’s build-up. They need to minimize turnovers, lock down midfields when pressed, and exploit the space on the flanks with overlapping full‑backs. Keeping their midfield structured—using controlled short passing—is paramount to dampen ES Tunis’s counter‑attacks.
- ES Tunis: Expect a disciplined 4‑4‑1‑1. The side will look to remain compact, frustrate Chelsea by cutting passing lanes, and then hit on the counter when turnovers occur. In addition, set‑piece efficiency will be a key weapon against a rotated and slightly depleted Chelsea back‑line.
Predicted Lineups
- Chelsea (4‑2‑3‑1):
- GK: Sánchez
- Defenders: Gusto, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella
- Midfield: Lavia, Essugo
- Attack: Neto, Palmer, Madueke, Delap
- ES Tunis (4‑4‑1‑1):
- GK: Ben Said
- Defenders: Ben Ali, Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida
- Midfield: Mokwana, Guenichi, Ogbelu, Konaté
- Forward: Sasse (supporting Rodrigo up front)
Chelsea must tighten up their defensive structure and be clinical in transition if they are to dodge the tactical ambush that a counter-attacking ES Tunis can deploy.
LAFC vs. Flamengo
The Stakes & Context
This particular matchup is a tale of two contrasts. LAFC, after back‑to‑back defeats and failing to register a goal, have already been mathematically eliminated. Their final match is more about pride and leaving the tournament on a respectable note. In contrast, Flamengo—which has already clinched the top spot in the group—wants to continue their dominant run and build momentum heading into the knockout phase. Despite the relaxed state of the Rubro‑Negro, they must remain razor‑sharp; any complacency could provide LAFC with a rare glimpse of hope that falls short only on the statistics.
Tactical Blueprint & What to Do
- LAFC: Likely operating in a 4‑3‑3 formation, they’ll try to push forward with pace on the flanks in a bid to at least score. With an attacking mandate now, they might risk leaving spaces behind, but with pride on the line, pressing from the front is their only option.
- Flamengo: Expected to use a fluid 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, the Brazilians’ plan is to control the pace of the game through technical midfield play and swift transitions. By rotating key players to rest for the knockout phase, Flamengo can maintain their quality while still exerting pressure from the start.
Predicted Lineups
- LAFC (4‑3‑3):
- GK: Lloris
- Defenders: Palencia, Long, Segura, Hollingshead
- Midfield: Tillman, Jesus, Delgado
- Attack: Martinez, Giroud, Bouanga
- Flamengo (4‑2‑3‑1):
- GK: Rossi
- Defenders: Wesley, Danilo, Pereira, Sandro
- Midfield: Allan, Pulgar
- Attack: Matheus, Everton, De Arrascaeta, Pedro
While LAFC will leave nothing on the pitch, the overwhelming quality and tactical discipline of Flamengo mean that the Brazilian giants should comfortably end the group stage with a robust performance.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense
The Stakes & Context
This clash features a high‑stakes showdown where the South African titans, Mamelodi Sundowns, must secure a win to ensure their knockout progression. Sitting on a precarious three points, they face a resilient Fluminense side that already looks set to progress with a draw. For Sundowns, victory isn’t just about pride—it’s about guaranteeing their future in the tournament and banking on a hefty financial boost that comes with advancing.
Tactical Blueprint & What to Do
- Mamelodi Sundowns: Likely using a variant of a 3‑4‑3 (or a flexible hybrid) formation, they need to exploit the wide areas and create overloads in midfield. Sundowns must press high, spotlighting the pace and directness of their counter‑attacks. Their defensive organization has to stay sharp, especially against a technically gifted opponent.
- Fluminense: Expect the Brazilian side to set up in a classic 4‑2‑3‑1 system, focusing on controlling possession and using quick, incisive vertical passes. Their goal is not to overcommit in attack too early but to patiently probe the Sundowns defense and exploit any counter‑attacking gaps.
Predicted Lineups
- Mamelodi Sundowns:
- GK: Williams
- Defenders: Mudau, Cupido, Kekana, Lunga
- Midfield: Mokoena; Lucas Ribeiro, Zwane, Allende, Matthews
- Forward: Rayners
- Fluminense:
- GK: Fabio
- Defenders: Guga, Silva, Freytes, Gabriel Fuentes
- Midfield: Martinelli, Hercules
- Attack: Arias, Ganso, Serna, Cano
For Sundowns, the imperative is clear: assert dominance in midfield and use speed down the wings to disrupt Fluminense’s rhythm. Even a slight lapse could let the Brazilians take advantage and further widen the gap in group standings.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan
The Stakes & Context
Dortmund are on the cusp of securing their spot in the knockout rounds—just a single point is needed. Fresh off a rollercoaster 4‑3 win over Sundowns, they must address defensive frailties even as they harness their potent attacking prowess. Ulsan, having been eliminated from contention, will look to punch above their weight by frustrating the German giants and possibly forcing an upset for pride’s sake.
Tactical Blueprint & What to Do
- Borussia Dortmund: Generally favoring a high‑pressing 4‑2‑3‑1, Dortmund will focus on using fast transitions, quick wingers, and decided half‑court combinations to stretch a compact Ulsan defense. However, their recent vulnerability at the back means they must tighten up when faced with counter‑attacks.
- Ulsan: Expect the South Korean side to set up in a counter‑attacking 4‑4‑2 or even a compact block that looks to soak up pressure. Their primary objective is to remain structured and try to hit Dortmund on the break—capitalizing on any rushed plays.
Predicted Lineups
- Borussia Dortmund:
- GK: Kobel
- Defenders: Sule, Anton, Bensebaini
- Midfield: Couto, Nmecha, Gross, Svensson
- Attack: Bellingham, Brandt, Guirassy
- Ulsan Hyundai:
- GK: Jo
- Defenders: Trojak, Kim, Jung
- Midfield: Kang, Ko, Bojanic, Lee, Ludwigson
- Attack: Lacava, Farias
For Dortmund, the emphasis is on balancing their attacking flair with a disciplined defensive line. A lapse in concentration could allow Ulsan to claw back on counter‑attacks, so maintaining intensity for all 90 minutes is key.
Each tie poses its own unique challenge—from managing player rotation and pressure situations to tweaking formations for quick transitions. The tactical nuances—whether it’s Chelsea’s structured build‑up or Dortmund’s explosive counter‑attacks—will be pivotal in determining which teams not only qualify but also build momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
