Chelsea vs. Los Angeles Preview and Betting Odds

One of the top contenders in the Club World Cup, Chelsea, will make its debut this Monday when they face the last team to qualify—and one that entered amid controversy—Los Angeles FC.

Chelsea arrives at this tournament with a strong squad, fresh off a title win, and full of hope to keep the celebrations going.

For Los Angeles FC, it’s a surprise to be in the tournament at all, as they secured their spot just a couple of weeks ago. They’ll be looking to pull off an upset at home.

Club World Cup: Chelsea vs. Los Angeles Betting Odds and Info

Why Bet on Chelsea?

Chelsea is one of the top contenders in this Club World Cup. Champions League winners in 2021, their most recent match was the UEFA Conference League final on May 28, where they crushed Real Betis 4–1.

It was a strong season for the London side, as they not only secured that title but also finished fourth in the Premier League, earning a spot in next season’s Champions League.

The Blues were champions of the Club World Cup in 2021, winning 2-1 against Palmeiras in extra time, and lost the 2012 final with Corinthians (1-0). That was the last time a non-European team won the championship.

For this tournament, Italian manager Enzo Maresca brings in some fresh faces, with English striker Liam Delap being the most notable. The 22-year-old had an impressive season with Ipswich Town, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists for a team that was relegated and only scored 36 goals all season.

Joining him are three more young players coming off strong campaigns: 19-year-old French defender Mamadou Sarr, formerly of RC Strasbourg; 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, Sarr’s teammate in France, who recently debuted for Brazil’s senior national team in World Cup qualifiers; and 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder Dário Essugo, who spent last season at Las Palmas.

They’ll be joined by the club’s established stars, with Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández seen as the team’s current leaders.

Why Bet on Los Angeles FC?

Los Angeles FC arrived as a surprise entry, but they hope to stay for a while. After FIFA announced that Club León would not be allowed to participate due to the multi-ownership rule—since they belong to Grupo Pachuca, which also owns another participating club, Pachuca—a door was opened.

After much back-and-forth and several disputes, it was decided that a playoff would be held between that year’s CONCACAF Champions League runner-up, Los Angeles FC, and the top-ranked team in the confederation rankings, Club América. The Mexican side were clear favorites, but the Americans pulled off an upset by winning 2–1 in extra time, having scored the equalizer in the 89th minute.

They’re having a solid showing in MLS, currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference and 13th overall, and they arrive with a 10-game unbeaten streak—though six of those have been draws.

Among their players is former Chelsea star Olivier Giroud, who will reunite with some former teammates. However, at 38, the Frenchman is no longer what he once was and now typically comes off the bench in the final minutes.

The star of this team is Gabonese striker Denis Bouanga, although they’ve just strengthened their squad with Dutch winger Javairô Dilrosun, who joined from Club América. They also feature former Turkish international Cengiz Ünder, who previously played for clubs such as Leicester City. Additionally, they also boast another veteran and World Cup winner: Hugo Lloris.

Final Betting Analysis: Chelsea vs. Los Angeles FC

There’s no doubt that Chelsea is the heavy favorite in this match when comparing the squads, and we don’t expect any surprises. The English side should take a comfortable win.

The odds at Gambyl Exchange favor Chelsea, with their Moneyline at -325, while Los Angeles sits at +895, and a draw is priced at +482.

This will be the first-ever meeting between these two teams. However, Chelsea has played preseason matches in Atlanta over the past two years. In 2023, they drew 1-1 with Newcastle, and in 2024, they defeated Club América of Mexico 3-0.

Go for a win for Chelsea. If you bet $100 at -325, you will gain $30 for a total payout of $130.

Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC Betting Pick: Chelsea