Chelsea v Palmeiras Club World Cup predictions: Final could go the distance

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Chelsea v Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final on Saturday.

Where to watch

Channel 4, 4.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Draw
1pt 3-1 bet365

Match preview

A low-scoring contest is expected in Abu Dhabi for the final of the Club World Cup between Chelsea and Palmeiras, which makes the draw a decent runner.

Contrasts in styles, preparation and pretty much everything else makes this showdown between the champions of Europe and kings of South America far from easy to figure out.

All the Palmeiras players and staff who've faced the media in the build-up have insisted Chelsea are favourites and that's certainly how the layers see it.

But if we learned anything about Abel Ferreira's men during their Copa Libertadores triumph last autumn it's that they can defend well and are organised with a keeper, Weverton, and defensive pillars, Luan and Gustavo Gomez, who have been together for several seasons.

It's no surprise then that they kept Egyptians Al Ahly at bay in their 2-0 win on Tuesday and they have had an extra 24 hours to prepare for the final after Chelsea pipped Al-Hilal 1-0 in the second semi a day later.

The Verdao, ten-time Brazilian champions, are certainly in a less intense situation domestically than Chelsea – they are currently picking their way through the Paulista, the Sao Paulo championship which precedes the return of Serie A.

Being crowned the best club in the world has plenty of kudos but the two semis were largely tame affairs with Chelsea dominating their game but looking short of ideas. Don't expect a classic.

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport