CWC: Ighalo set to start as Al Hilal face Chelsea today
Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo is expected to retain his place in Al Hilal’s starting XI for today’s FIFA Club world Cup semi final match vs Chelsea. The match will take kickoff by 5:30pm (Nigerian time) at the Mohammed Bin Zayed stadium in UAE.
Bouncing in Confidence from their ruthless 6-1 thrashing of Al Jazira in the Previous round, Manager Leonardo Jardim will keep faith with the potent attack combination of Odion Ighalo/ Moussa Marega feeding from the supplies from former West Brom midfielder Matheus Pereira. A change in system is however expected considering the pedigree of today’s opposition Chelsea who will expectedly enjoy more of possession
For European Champions Chelsea, Misfiring striker Romelu Lukaku could be dropped to the bench. Goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy who joined the side after Senagal’s AFCON victory should be afforded some rest while Kepa Arrizabalaga continues in goal after a heroics in the weekend victory over Plymouth.
The reward for the winner of today’s match will be a place in Sundays final vs Brazilian side Palmeiras who defeated Al Ahly of Egypt 2-0 in yesterday’s Semi Final. Despite the abscence of Manager Thomas Tuchel who misses out after a positive COVID-19 test over the weekend, Chelsea will begin tomorrow’s game vs Ighalo and co as Favourites.
