An intercontinental clash of titans looms as Club América set their sights on Chelsea FC this Wednesday, 31st July. The two sides will face off for the fourth time in their history. América will be desperate to win this match, hoping to reestablish balance in their season and return to winning ways ahead of their Leagues Cup campaign. On the other hand, Chelsea will be looking for some vindication after their 4-1 loss to Celtic a few days ago. The Premier League giants versus the kings of Mexico, CONCACAF’s most successful team – a spectacle no fan will want to miss.
History Between the Clubs
The upcoming match between Club América and Chelsea comes with an interesting bit of history. It will be the fourth time the two clubs have played each other, marking the most fixtures ever between a Premier League and Liga MX side. While the pendulum has swung in Chelsea’s favor in the three past clashes, América have had their moments.
In the past, América have faced the Blues with a less-than-ideal squad, during a troubling era for the Mexican club. Nevertheless, the matches between these two sides have rarely disappointed and the fourth iteration promises plenty of goals. Looking at the past three encounters, it’s safe to say Chelsea will fancy their chances of at least finding the back of the net.
– July 14, 2007: Club América 1-2 Chelsea
– July 26, 2009: Chelsea 2-0 Club América
– July 16, 2022: Club América 1-2 Chelsea
Kicking Chelsea While They’re Down
Club América have always come into these games against Chelsea as the underdogs. This is especially true considering the era in which these two sides first met – it was a dark period for América, who were struggling to get domestic wins and make the playoffs.
However, the pendulum might just swing in the other direction for this upcoming match. For the first time, América come into the game, maybe not as heavy favorites, but at least neck and neck with Chelsea. The team from London has had some worrying performances this preseason. After the Londoners’ 4-1 loss to Celtic, it seems that Las Águilas may be in a poised position to kick Chelsea while they’re down.
Even though América themselves haven’t had the best start to their Liga MX season (two wins and two losses), they will still fancy their chances against Chelsea. América is coming off their most successful calendar year in recent club history, winning back-to-back championships and playing fantastic football.
It’s clear that manager André Jardine will be looking at this game as a great opportunity to test his side and get them prepared for their upcoming participation in Leagues Cup. Desperate to continue his winning ways, the Brazilian tactician will no doubt play his strongest side in hopes of tearing down Chelsea’s defense and building up his team’s confidence.
Club América vs Chelsea Predicted Starting XI
Expect Jardine to use his typical 4-2-3-1 formation against Chelsea. This formation suits his style of play, especially now that he has Brian Rodríguez back in his starting eleven. As mentioned before, the manager will likely field his best players, in hopes of getting them all back to fitness and showcasing the good style of football they displayed all of last season.
Predicted XI: L. Malagón; I. Reyes, I. Lichnovsky, R. Juarez, C. Calderón; J. Dos Santos, A. Fidalgo; J. Dilrosun, E. Sánchez, B. Rodríguez; H. Martín
Main Image: “Cowboys stadium world football challenge 2009” by Mahanga via Wikimedia Commons