Three key battles that could define Chelsea vs PSG in FIFA Club World Cup Final

After a month of memorable moments and action in the United States, the FIFA Club World Cup comes down to two, as PSG and Chelsea meet in the competition's final.

Luis Enrique's side will go into the game as favourites and look to win their FIFTH trophy of the season, but face a Blues side who have got better and better as the tournament has gone on and who are also looking to add to their season's haul after winning the Europa Conference League.  

The stage is set for a fascinating affair, and here are three key battles that could define how the final plays out. 

Cucurella's right-sided problem 

Marc Cucurella has continued his impressive form from the regular season - where he was one of the Premier League's most outstanding left-backs -  into the Club World Cup, but he faces possibly the best right side in the world right in the final. 

Firstly, he'll have to deal with whoever plays on PSG's right of their front three, depending on who Luis Enrique decides to play there. In the semi-final, it was Desire Doue who occupied that space, while previously we've seen Bradly Barcola also play there, while Ousmane Demeble could also move to that spot if he's not deployed through the middle. 

Each of them are a dangerous prospect, and a lot of PSG's good work came from that flank against Madrid, because you also add in the Hakimi factor. The Moroccan is one of the European champions' most dangerous outlets, and it almost means they double-up on that flank to attack their opponents. 

He won't be alone in defending that part of the pitch, but it's Cucrella's first and biggest job of the night. 

(C)Getty images

Who does Marquinhos deal with? 

Chelsea's attack has evolved in front of our eyes during the tournament, thanks to the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. Yet, who will get the nod for the final? 

Delap is back from suspension and would give the Blues a more physical approach, leading the line and a proper duel with PSG captain Marquinhos. 

However, it's hard to leave out Pedro, who booked Chelsea's place in the final thanks to his two debut goals in the semi-final win over Fluminense. 

Then, there's Nicolas Jackson, who started the season and could offer something different to both of the other options. It's a big call for Ezno Maresca. 

Chelsea

The men in the middle 

Two of the tournament's outstanding midfielders go head-to-head in Enzo Fernandez and Vitinha and it's their influence that could make the difference. 

Each has their way of controlling the game, with Chelsea's Argentine using his energy and combativeness to hussle and harry his way around the middle, while the crisp, incisive passing of Vitinha makes the European champions tick. 

They have both also shown their importance in attack, with Fernandez contributing the most assists at the tournament so far with three, as well as a goal in the opener against LAFC, while PSG's Portuguese star has scored once and created two goals for his team. 

Their role in the final could determine which way the game goes. 

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