Watching Chelsea Take on Palmeiras at 2am (Because Apparently I Hate Sleep)

By Lewis Barnett 4 July, 2025 5 mins read 34 Views

So here I am, setting my alarm for 1:45am like some kind of masochist, because Chelsea are playing Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals and I refuse to miss it.

The thing that's really getting to me? We're the only Premier League team left in this thing. City got absolutely demolished by Al-Hilal earlier - and honestly, watching Pep's face after that result was almost worth staying up for. Almost.

But here's what's actually exciting: Joao Pedro might make his debut tonight. The guy we just dropped £60m on from Brighton this week could be thrown straight into the deep end at 2am on a Saturday morning. Talk about trial by fire.

Pedro's been saying all the right things since he signed. "When you join Chelsea, you can only think one thing: to win trophies." Kid gets it. Also mentioned he's been chatting with David Luiz about his career development, which... honestly didn't expect that connection but I'm here for it.

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Free Football at Stupid O'Clock

Here's the good news - you don't need to pay Sky or BT a penny to watch this. DAZN is streaming the entire Club World Cup for free. Completely free. I had to double-check this because nothing good ever comes free anymore.

All you need is an email address to register, and boom - you're watching Chelsea try to avoid City's fate. The match kicks off at 2am BST on Saturday, July 5th, which means I'll be consuming unhealthy amounts of coffee and probably regretting my life choices by halftime.

Download the DAZN app, sign up with your email, and prepare to join the ranks of sleep-deprived football fans across the country.

Who's Actually Playing?

Moises Caicedo is out. Suspended after picking up his second yellow card because apparently he forgot this isn't the Premier League where you can get away with murder.

Benoit Badiashile limped off against Benfica and looks doubtful, which means Trevoh Chalobah is probably getting the nod alongside Levi Colwill in defence. Not exactly the partnership I'd choose for a quarter-final, but here we are.

The real question is whether Pedro gets thrown in immediately or if they ease him in gradually. My gut says he starts - why else would you rush through a £60m signing if you're not planning to use him?

Why This Actually Matters

Look, I know the Club World Cup isn't the Champions League. But after City's shock exit, there's genuine pressure on us to deliver. We're carrying the Premier League flag now, and that's not a responsibility I take lightly.

Plus, Pedro's debut could set the tone for his entire Chelsea career. Score on your first appearance at 2am against Brazilian opposition? That's the kind of story that builds legends.

See you all in the match thread, probably making terrible decisions about my sleep schedule and wondering why I do this to myself every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Premier League winner determined?

The Premier League is won by the team who accumulates the most number of points throughout the 38 match season. For a win or a draw, teams earn three points. Losses are not worth any points. If teams finish the season with equal points, then the winner is determined by the goal difference and, if needed, the number scored. If there is still a tie, the winner may be decided by a playoff, which can take place at a neutral location. This scenario, however, has never happened in Premier League history.

How has Premier League developed since its formation?

The Premier League has evolved significantly since its creation in 1992. It began with a breakaway from the Football League to take advantage of a lucrative television rights deal. Since then, it has grown into a global sporting phenomenon, attracting top talent from all over the world, undergoing branding changes, and experiencing massive increases in revenue. The league also saw advancements in training facilities, stadium technologies and sports science.

What makes the Premier League different from other European football leagues

The Premier League stands out from other European leagues for several reasons, including its global reach, financial strength and competitive depth. The league is a huge international success with lucrative television deals. Premier League teams are known to be unpredictable. They can win on any given day, even if they're not ranked high. The league is also known for its fast-paced play and intense stadium atmosphere.

What do you think of the Premier League concept called the 'Big Six?

The 'Big Six' refers to a group of the Premier League's most successful and influential clubs in recent times. Manchester United and Manchester City are often included in the list. Other clubs include Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. These teams are known as having a strong fan base with a lot of money, for their high-level performances, and for qualifying frequently for European tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Cup.

Are there any financial regulations in place in the Premier League?

Yes, the Premier League has financial regulations, known as Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, intended to prevent clubs from spending beyond their means and to promote financial stability. These rules force clubs to limit their loss over a three year period and to ensure expenditures do no exceed their earnings related to football. The regulations have been put in place as a way to encourage responsible expenditure and to maintain the competitive balance of the league.

Statistics

The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.
Petr Čech set a remarkable defensive record during the 2004-2005 season with 24 clean sheets, the most by a goalkeeper in a single Premier League season.
Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.
Chelsea established the Premier League’s greatest goal difference of +71 in the 2009–2010 season, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.
Manchester United holds the record for the most Premier League titles, having been crowned champions 20 times.

External Links

How To

Learn Premier League Chants & Songs

Chants, songs and chants are an integral part of matchday atmosphere in the Premier League. Watch matches and pay attention to the crowds, especially those of the home side. Many fan websites and forums will have lyrics to popular chants. YouTube also has many videos of football chants. Join local fan groups where you can learn and sing the chants together. Learning these will enrich your experiences at matches and help you feel a deeper connection to your club's culture.