The 2025 Club World Cup is likely to produce a mixed bag of games. Bayern’s 10-0 demolition of Auckland FC showed that there will be some one-sided contests and the genuine action may have to wait until the knockout rounds. Friday’s 7.30pm match in Group D may be different. Both Flamengo and Chelsea won their opening games via matching 2-0 scorelines and this tie is likely to decide who wins the section. Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia is the setting, so let’s see if we can find some winning bets.
Chelsea will start as favourites with best industry odds of 4/5 available for Enzo Maresca’s side. The draw comes next at a general 14/5 while victory for Flamengo can be claimed at 10/3.
Both of the opening games in Group D followed similar patterns. It took a while for Flamengo and Chelsea to break down their opponents, but a goal in each half secured those 2-0 wins. Last season, the English side finished fourth in the Premier League, while Flamengo were champions of their domestic top flight.
Chelsea’s greater quality and squad depth makes them favourites but Flamengo are something of an unknown quantity and a solid performance in their first match suggests they could be a threat.
Chelsea’s main strikers, Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap, head the first goalscorer betting, with both men available at best odds of 11/2. Cole Palmer follows at 19/4, while Christopher Nkunku is next at a top price of 13/2.
Against Los Angeles FC on Monday, Pedro Neto opened the scoring. The winger scored just seven times in 46 games for the Blues last season, but he could be an option at 19/2.
Anyone considering Flamengo players will find Bruno Henrique with the shortest odds of 9/1. The attacker has been with the Brazilian side since 2019 and has scored over 100 goals in that time. Another possible option at 10/1 is Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who found the net first in the win over Esperance de Tunis.
Moving away from player betting, Both Teams to Score is on offer for Friday’s game at a best of 10/11. Those edging towards the ‘no’ option on BTTS can claim a top price of 19/20.
The Total Goals markets are offering those same best odds of 19/20 for a stake Over the 2.5 line with the bookies. By pushing that up to Over 3.5 goals, we find a top price of 12/5. The two opening games involving these sides produced exactly two goals, so you may want to back Under the 2.5 line at a general 17/20.
This could be a tight game and that may influence your thinking in the Correct Score market. A 2-1 win for Chelsea is available at 15/2, while the same scoreline in favour of Flamengo is on offer at 14/1. The 1-1 draw can be backed here at 6/1.
Flamengo vs Chelsea Betting Tips Verdict For This Preview
While there has been some criticism of this competition, the favourites have largely come through in these opening Club World Cup games. They may not be the most competitive fixtures but the better teams are prevailing.
There’s always scope for an upset, but Chelsea should come through with the points here. They simply have a stronger squad, and if they are close to their best, it’s unlikely that Flamengo will come close. If, however, the Blues coast through the 90 minutes, there may be hope that the Brazilians can emerge with a draw, but we think that’s unlikely.
We want to avoid odds-on picks where possible, so let’s look at some of the other options. In Chelsea’s last game against LAFC, our Under 2.5 Goal bet came in, and we think that’s plausible again. There is no competitive edge to these matches and we may not see that until the final group games at least.
It could be another cagey and dour 90 minutes and it may take just one goal to separate the sides. Chelsea to win to nil is another possible pick, but we’re going to focus on Liam Delap in the goal scorer markets. The new signing from Ipswich started on the bench against LAFC, but with Chelsea likely to rotate, he should be on the pitch from the first whistle.
Delap will be eager to impress his new employers and we expect him to convert. He returned good stats in a struggling Ipswich Town side last season and he should have a big future at a more potent club. In case he is on the bench once again, we’ll avoid the first goalscorer market and take Liam Delap for an anytime goal, in what should be a low-scoring win for the English side. So, for the betting tips for this preview, go with this one recommendation:
- Liam Delap to Score at any time at 15/8 with Bet365.
Matt Harris is a football & golf writer for Just Bookies. Other sports in his portfolio of specialities include cricket. Matt has contributed to innumerable large organisations and media brands. These include: Betfair, BetVictor, USA Betting & Unibet. 