Chelsea have a strong record against Benfica, having won all three of their matches against the Lisbon giants to date. The Londoners beat them them home and away in the 2011-12 Champions League quarter-finals and also ran out 2-1 winners in the 2013 Europa League final.

Chelsea start striker Liam Delap with alternative option Nicolas Jackson suspended for the round of 16 match against Benfica. Benoit Badiashile is a surprise selection in defence at the Bank of America stadium in Charlotte.

Christopher Nkunku scored off a rebound in extra time and Chelsea went on to beat Benfica 4-1 in a Club World Cup Round of 16 match at Bank of America Stadium that was delayed for two hours due to lightning and took nearly five hours to complete.