Frank Christian
In a crucial match for both teams, LAFC is set to face Esperance de Tunis in Nashville on Friday, each side eager to secure vital points in their Club World Cup group.
Both teams began their campaigns poorly, losing 2-0—LAFC to Chelsea from the Premier League and Esperance to Brazil’s Flamengo.
This puts both squads in a challenging position; a loss could severely undermine their hopes for advancing. Conversely, a win would still keep their qualification dreams alive, albeit with the need for an upset in their last group game.
The Sporting News provides an overview of the latest updates on team lineups and injuries as the match approaches.
LAFC vs. Esperance: Expected lineups and team news
LAFC’s head coach Steve Cherundolo faces some pivotal choices before the match. Olivier Giroud, the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker, has largely been utilized as a substitute at 38 but may earn a starting spot as Jeremy Ebobisse has only netted three goals this season.
World Cup champion Hugo Lloris remains the first-choice goalkeeper for another season, but LAFC has seen significant roster changes after a major offseason overhaul. They have let go of seasoned players including Carlos Vela, Ilie Sanchez, Mateusz Bogusz, Cristian Olivera, and Jesus Murillo, bringing in new talent like Igor Jesus, Mark Delgado (from LA Galaxy in a rare exchange), Marlon, Yaw Yeboah, Frankie Amaya, and Ebobisse.
Nathan Ordaz exited the game against Chelsea in the first half due to a concussion and must clear protocol to be eligible to play.
Predicted LAFC XI (4-3-3, right to left): Lloris (GK) — Palencia, Segura, Long, Hollingshead — Delgado, Jesus, T. Tillman — Ordaz, Giroud, Bouanga.
Injuries: None.
Suspensions: None.
Yellow cards: None.
Complete LAFC roster
Goalkeepers: Cabral Carter, Thomas Hasal, Hugo Lloris, David Ochoa.
Defenders: Lorenzo Dellavalle, Maxime Chanot, Ryan Hollingshead, Aaron Long, Marlon, Kenny Nielsen, Sergi Palencia, Ryan Raposo, Eddie Segura, Artem Smoliakov, Nkosi Tafari.
Midfielders: Frankie Amaya, Marky Delgado, Matt Evans, Odin Holm, Igor Jesus, Adam Saldana, Jude Terry, Timothy Tillman, Yaw Yeboah.
Forwards: Denis Bouanga, Javairo Dilrosun, Jeremy Ebobisse, Olivier Giroud, David Martinez, Nathan Ordaz, Adrian Wibowo.
Esperance’s head coach Maher Kanzari is likely contemplating adjustments to his lineup after their 2-0 loss against Flamengo. He made two substitutions at halftime during that match, and may turn to Abdramane Konate or Elias Mokwana, who both performed well after coming on.
They will be missing defensive midfielder Roger Ahoulou, who ended the season with an injury and was not selected for the Club World Cup squad.
Expected Esperance de Tunis XI (3-4-3, right to left): Ben Said (GK) — Ben Ali, Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida — Guenichi, Ogbelu — Sasse, Jbeli, Belaili — Rodrigues.
Injuries: None.
Suspensions: None.
Yellow cards: Tougal, Guenichi, Ben Ali, Belaili.
Complete Esperance roster
Goalkeepers: Bechir Ben Said, Moktar Ifaoui, Amenallah Memiche, Mohamed Sedki Debchi.
Defenders: Youcef Belaili, Mohamed Benali, Khalil Guenichi, Abdramane Konate, Onuche Ogbelu, Zakaria El Ayeb, Yan Sasse, Houssem Tka, Mohamed Wael Derbali.
Midfielders: Mohamed Amine Ben Hmida, Mohamed Amine Tougai, Ayman Ben Mohamed, Elyas Bouzaiene, Raed Bouchniba, Hamza Jelassi, Aziz Koudhai, Yassine Meriah, Koussay Smiri.
Forwards: Haithem Dhaou, Aboubacar Diakte, Achraf Jabri, Chiheb Jbeli, Zineddine Kada, Koussay Maacha, Elias Mokwana, Mohamed Mouhli, Mohamed Rayen Hamrouni, Rodrigo Rodrigues.
LAFC vs. Esperance de Tunis: Match Prediction
Although LAFC showcased a commendable performance against Chelsea, the MLS teams have yet to secure points in the Club World Cup, experiencing only defeats so far.
Steve Cherundolo’s squad appears solid, even if their domestic form has lessened compared to previous seasons; yet they should be able to clinch a narrow victory in this encounter.
Prediction: LAFC 1-0 Esperance de Tunis
Viewing Information for LAFC vs. Esperance de Tunis
Here’s a guide on where to watch this group stage match of the Club World Cup across different regions:
| Date | Time | TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Fri, Jun. 20 | 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT | — | DAZN |
| Canada | Fri, Jun. 20 | 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT | — | DAZN |
| UK | Fri, Jun. 20 | 11 p.m. BST | Channel 5 | DAZN |
| Australia | Sat, Jun. 21 | 10 a.m. AEST | — | DAZN, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now |
| India | Sat, Jun. 21 | 3:30 a.m. IST | — | DAZN, tabii |
