Al Hilal Riyadh vs Chelsea Predictions

• Al Hilal scored six goals at the weekend having invested in their attack
• Matheus Pereira had a hand in five goals against the Blues last term
• Chelsea have conceded in seven of their last 10 matches
• That run has seen them concede to League One and National League sides

New challenge for Blues

Chelsea have picked up a lot of silverware across the last 17 seasons, winning almost every competition available to them. Things have been particularly good of late, with Thomas Tuchel delivering a Champions League title alongside their European Super Cup win in August.

The Blues have also reached the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals in that time. However, Tuchel could now lead the Blues to their first ever Club World Cup title, albeit remotely.

The German boss has tested positive for COVID, meaning he is working from home in London as the Blues prepare for Wednesday’s clash in Abu Dhabi. They will still need Tuchel for this clash with Al Hilal, with the Saudi Arabian side boasting some good attacking options.

Front four to trouble Blues

Chelsea were given a tough workout before jetting out to Abu Dhabi, needing extra-time to beat Plymouth at the weekend. Conceding to a League One side isn’t a ringing endorsement of the Blues’ defence, while they have kept only three clean sheets across their last 10 games.

Not only have defensive standards slipped for the Blues, but they meet a side who racked up six goals in the quarter-finals of this competition. That’s not a surprise, as Al Hilal have invested in a strong forward line.

Pereira to haunt Blues again

Former Manchester United and Watford striker Odion Ighalo scored in the victory, as did ex-Porto forward Moussa Marega. Meanwhile, Matheus Pereira scored on Sunday too. The Brazilian tore apart Chelsea twice last season, having a hand in five goals across two games against the Blues with West Brom. Pereira gave Thiago Silva a tough time in both of those clashes, so he’s a great anytime goalscorer option in this clash.

Given that attacking threat, both teams to score at above evens is a good price. While Al Hilal have invested up front, little suggests they can keep Chelsea at bay. Back the Blues to eventually come through this one, but it could be tough considering their weekend struggles. A 2-1 win for Chelsea is my correct score prediction.