By akshaymenon33@gmail.com 
Get the ultimate Chelsea vs PSG Club World Cup Final preview. Predicted lineups, tactics, and key battles ahead of the 2025 showdown.
The countdown is almost over. The grand finale of the Club World Cup 2025 is upon us, and it doesn’t get any bigger than this — Chelsea vs PSG. A collision of European titans on the global stage, and the stakes? Immortality.
The Road to the Final
Chelsea’s journey to this point has been nothing short of inspiring. From steady performances in Europe to a dominant semi-final win over Fluminense, the Blues have found rhythm just when it mattered most. João Pedro’s sharp finishing, the ever-reliable Enzo Fernandez, and the creative brilliance of Cole Palmer have lit up the path to New Jersey.
Read our full Chelsea vs Fluminense match analysis
Meanwhile, PSG arrives like a juggernaut. Their 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semifinals sent a clear message — they mean business. With stars like Dembele, Vitinha, and Kvaratskhelia firing on all cylinders, Chelsea must be at their tactical best.
Tactical Preview: Chelsea vs PSG
Maresca’s approach has emphasized ball control and structured pressing. Against PSG, we can expect:
- A high-press strategy to disrupt PSG’s build-up.
- Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are anchoring the midfield, ensuring control and offering protection to the backline.
- A dynamic front four with Palmer, Nkunku, Neto, Delap, and João Pedro, aiming to exploit spaces in PSG’s defense.
PSG, renowned for their technical midfield, will try to dominate possession. Stopping their transitions will be crucial.
Key Battles to Watch
🔥 Cole Palmer vs Nuno Mendes
Palmer’s creativity and vision will be tested against the pacey Mendes. If Palmer finds pockets of space, Chelsea could unlock PSG’s defense.
🔥 Caicedo & Enzo Fernandez vs Vitinha & Neves
This midfield duel will dictate the game’s tempo. Win this battle, and Chelsea controls the narrative.
🔥 Levi Colwill vs Doue
Colwill’s positioning and strength will be critical in neutralizing Doue, who thrives on sharp movement and finishing.
🔥 Reece James vs Ousmane Dembele
James returns as Chelsea’s defensive leader. His task? Contain the tricky Dembele and support the attack with his overlapping runs.
Maresca vs Luis Enrique: A Tactical Chess Match
At the heart of this final lies an intriguing managerial battle between Enzo Maresca and Luis Enrique — two coaches with contrasting styles but a shared obsession with possession and control.
Enzo Maresca, the architect of Chelsea’s evolving identity, brings the Pep Guardiola-inspired philosophy to Stamford Bridge. His style emphasizes patient build-up from the back, fluid positional play, and controlling the midfield with short, sharp passing. Maresca’s influence is already evident — Chelsea look composed, structured, and increasingly confident in high-pressure matches.
On the other side, Luis Enrique, a seasoned tactician and former treble-winning coach with Barcelona, leads PSG with a bold, vertical style. Enrique’s philosophy is built on quick transitions, aggressive pressing, and exploiting width through wingers like Dembele. His experience in big finals gives PSG a psychological edge, but Maresca’s tactical nuance makes Chelsea unpredictable.
This final, therefore, isn’t just about the players on the pitch — it’s a clash of managerial minds. Who dictates the tempo — Maresca’s meticulous build-up or Enrique’s rapid-fire transitions — could well decide who lifts the trophy.
The Emotional Edge
For Chelsea fans, this is not just a match — it’s a statement. A win tonight would make us world champions, cementing our place in history. The hurt of last season, the criticism, the doubts — all can be silenced with 90 perfect minutes.
Final Thoughts
As the clock ticks down, one thing is certain — Chelsea won’t go down without a fight. We’ve seen this club rise from the ashes before. Tonight, under the MetLife lights, it’s time to rise again.
Up the Chels! Bring it home. 🔵🏆