FIFA Club World Cup final preview: Chelsea out to atone for 2012 final defeat

After edging past Al Hilal in the semi-final, Chelsea face Brazilian side Palmeiras for the chance to lift the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

We preview the final below and look at the latest betting odds.

Chelsea out to be crowned world champions

Chelsea have only been in the final of the Club World Cup once before, in 2012, when they lost 1-0 to Brazilian side Corinthians. The Blues will be hoping for a different result against Brazilian opposition this time around, when they face Palmeiras in Saturday’s final.

Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated in their semi-final but needed a solitary Romelu Lukaku goal to see them past Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. The Belgian striker has endured a tough run recently and it marked his first goal since December, so his return to form could be a good omen for the west London side.

It was a win that continued Chelsea’s good form of late, which has seen them lose only once in their last 16 games. They come into this final as the 2/7 favourites to claim the trophy for the first time and are just 8/13 to have victory wrapped up in 90 minutes.

Palmeiras to make things difficult?

Sao Paulo-based Palmeiras have been in good form domestically too and are unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions. Their season in Brazil’s Serie A finished in December and saw them secure third place in the league, while they triumphed in the Copa Libertadores, beating Flamengo 2-1 in the final.

They defeated Egyptian side Al Ahly in the semi-finals, with goals from Raphael Vega and Dudu securing a 2-0 victory. Vega is a potential danger man for Chelsea – the attacking midfielder scored 18 goals last season – while striker Rony is another potent threat in front of goal.

However, the Brazilians are not all about attacking flare, having kept an impressive six clean sheets in their last 10 games.

We could then be in for a closer match than the odds suggest, with Palmeiras currently 5/2 to lift the trophy and 4/1 to do so after 90 minutes.

A draw after 90 minutes is priced at 3/1 and if the game goes the distance then both sides are a 12/1 chance to win on penalties. The Blues will surely want to wrap things up sooner than that though, as they have only won 10 of their 24 penalty shoot-outs they have been a part of in all competitions.

Check out all the latest football betting odds at William Hill