CWC: Mikel tips Chelsea to beat Benfica as star players return

Former Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has expressed confidence in Chelsea’s chances of progressing past Benfica in the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup, stating that the return of first-team regulars will give the London club a crucial advantage.

Chelsea secured their Round of 16 place with a convincing 3–0 win over ES Tunis on Wednesday. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo and Liam Delap in the first half, followed by a late strike from Tyrique George, sealed the result.

The victory placed Chelsea second in Group D with six points, trailing Flamengo, who topped the group with seven.

Benfica progressed as Group C winners, finishing with seven points, narrowly ahead of Bayern Munich, who ended the group stage with six points.

Speaking on DAZN following the match, Mikel commended Chelsea’s performance and voiced optimism about their next test against the Portuguese champions.

“I think it is a game we have to win, considering the way we’ve played,” Mikel said. “The big boys, Cole Palmer, Caicedo, and others, were rested today.”

He suggested their return will boost Chelsea’s prospects: “When they come back into the next game, we should see a much stronger Chelsea. I expect us to win that match and go through.”

Chelsea now prepare to face a confident Benfica side that has impressed throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a closely watched knockout encounter.