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FIFA Club World Cup - December 17-21
- Thread starter spkutano
- Start date
Monterrey vs. Liverpool Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Monterrey:
Barovero; Medina, Montes, Sanchez, Vangioni; Rodriguez, Gonzalez; Pabon Pizarro, Gallardo; Funes Mori
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Shaqiri, Origi, Mane
Monterrey will face Liverpool at Khalifa International Stadium. This match was initially supposed to be played at the new Education City Stadium, but the opening of the new venue was delayed until 2020. I expect an open and efficient match between two continental champions. Monterrey are from Mexico and they are the CONCACAF Champions League winners. They were best in competition that includes clubs from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. This is their fourth appearance in this tournament and their previous experience should not be underestimated. Coach Antonio Mohamed insists his side have not come just to participate in the Club World Cup in Qatar and nothing is impossible against favorites from Europa and South America. The Mexican side beat Al-Sadd from Qatar with 3:2 in the quarter-finals. Left-back Leonel Vangioni gave Monterrey the lead with a 35-yard rocket, Rogelio Funes Mori doubled the advantage, while Carlos Rodriguez set the final result. It is interesting to be mentioned that Rogelio is twin-brother of ex-Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori. He is the key player in the Mexican club and he is in great scoring form. Rogelio Funes Mori will be their main attacking threat having netted seven goals in his last five games across all competitions. As a club, Monterrey are also in solid form, they have not been beaten in any competition since October. In other words, they have 10 victories and three draws on the last 13 matches. Recently they qualified for the Apertura final - beating Santos Laguna and Club Necaxa on the way. The atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is high. Coach Mohamed will be without long-term injury victim Aviles Hurtado, but has no new injury worries after the Al-Sadd match. Most probably he will start with the same eleven.
Liverpool will try to lift the second trophy this season. They already won the UEFA Super Cup after beat Chelsea on penalties. However, the Reds face a strange situation as they play against Aston Villa on Tuesday. It means two matches in two days, in two different competitions, on two different continents with two different managers and two different squads. Nevertheless, FIFA Club World Cup have priority, so the best players are in Qatar lead by Jurgen Klopp. The Reds play in excellent form and the players confidence is very high. Liverpool are leaders in the Premier League, winning all but one league match in the past five months. The Merseysiders have a 10-point advantage to the second-placed Leicester and 14 points more than the reigning champions Manchester City. The Reds also secured knock-out stage in the Champions League and will play against Primera Division outfit Atletico Madrid. Anyway, the whole attention is now on this match. Klopp has some injury concerns, particularly in the defense. Two central defenders are not available for this match. Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip have stayed at home as they look to recover from thigh and knee injury respectively. Fabinho and Nathaniel Clyne are also out injured. The attacking trio of Salah, Firmino and Mane is ready but at least one of them could be rested with Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain among those pushing for starts. Gini Wijnaldum will skip this match, though his hamstring injury is 'not as serious' as first feared. Maybe he will recover in time for the second match.
Monterrey vs. Liverpool Prediction:
I think this will be an open, attacking and entertaining contest. Liverpool will dominate on the pitch, but Monterrey will try to score through fast counter-attacks. Monterrey scored three goals against Al-Sadd, but also conceded twice. I expect at least four goals at Khalifa International Stadium.
Monterrey vs. Liverpool Prediction: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.10 with Pinnacle
Possible starting lineups:
Monterrey:
Barovero; Medina, Montes, Sanchez, Vangioni; Rodriguez, Gonzalez; Pabon Pizarro, Gallardo; Funes Mori
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Shaqiri, Origi, Mane
Monterrey will face Liverpool at Khalifa International Stadium. This match was initially supposed to be played at the new Education City Stadium, but the opening of the new venue was delayed until 2020. I expect an open and efficient match between two continental champions. Monterrey are from Mexico and they are the CONCACAF Champions League winners. They were best in competition that includes clubs from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. This is their fourth appearance in this tournament and their previous experience should not be underestimated. Coach Antonio Mohamed insists his side have not come just to participate in the Club World Cup in Qatar and nothing is impossible against favorites from Europa and South America. The Mexican side beat Al-Sadd from Qatar with 3:2 in the quarter-finals. Left-back Leonel Vangioni gave Monterrey the lead with a 35-yard rocket, Rogelio Funes Mori doubled the advantage, while Carlos Rodriguez set the final result. It is interesting to be mentioned that Rogelio is twin-brother of ex-Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori. He is the key player in the Mexican club and he is in great scoring form. Rogelio Funes Mori will be their main attacking threat having netted seven goals in his last five games across all competitions. As a club, Monterrey are also in solid form, they have not been beaten in any competition since October. In other words, they have 10 victories and three draws on the last 13 matches. Recently they qualified for the Apertura final - beating Santos Laguna and Club Necaxa on the way. The atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is high. Coach Mohamed will be without long-term injury victim Aviles Hurtado, but has no new injury worries after the Al-Sadd match. Most probably he will start with the same eleven.
Liverpool will try to lift the second trophy this season. They already won the UEFA Super Cup after beat Chelsea on penalties. However, the Reds face a strange situation as they play against Aston Villa on Tuesday. It means two matches in two days, in two different competitions, on two different continents with two different managers and two different squads. Nevertheless, FIFA Club World Cup have priority, so the best players are in Qatar lead by Jurgen Klopp. The Reds play in excellent form and the players confidence is very high. Liverpool are leaders in the Premier League, winning all but one league match in the past five months. The Merseysiders have a 10-point advantage to the second-placed Leicester and 14 points more than the reigning champions Manchester City. The Reds also secured knock-out stage in the Champions League and will play against Primera Division outfit Atletico Madrid. Anyway, the whole attention is now on this match. Klopp has some injury concerns, particularly in the defense. Two central defenders are not available for this match. Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip have stayed at home as they look to recover from thigh and knee injury respectively. Fabinho and Nathaniel Clyne are also out injured. The attacking trio of Salah, Firmino and Mane is ready but at least one of them could be rested with Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain among those pushing for starts. Gini Wijnaldum will skip this match, though his hamstring injury is 'not as serious' as first feared. Maybe he will recover in time for the second match.
Monterrey vs. Liverpool Prediction:
I think this will be an open, attacking and entertaining contest. Liverpool will dominate on the pitch, but Monterrey will try to score through fast counter-attacks. Monterrey scored three goals against Al-Sadd, but also conceded twice. I expect at least four goals at Khalifa International Stadium.
Monterrey vs. Liverpool Prediction: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.10 with Pinnacle
Last edited:
Liverpool vs Flamengo Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Henderson, Robertson; Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shaqiri; Firmino, Mane, Salah
Flamengo:
Alves; Rafinha, Caio, Mari, Luis; Arao, Gerson; Ribeiro, De Arrascaeta, Henrique; Barbosa
Liverpool won 2:1 against Monterrey on Wednesday and secured the final. The Reds became the first English team to reach the final of the competition twice. Like many time this season, Jurgen Klopp's men scored a stoppage-time goal. The hero was Roberto Firmino, who netted the winning goal five minutes after coming on as a substitute. Naby Keita had opened the scoring in the first half after an excellent assist by Mohamed Salah. Statistic says no player has more assists for Liverpool in all competitions than Salah (31) since the start of the 2017/18 season. At this point I have to mention that Liverpool lost 5:0 to Aston Villa in Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday. It was a strange situation as they played two matches in two days, in two different competitions, on two different continents with two different managers and two different squads. In reality, Klopp decided to sacrifice the League Cup by fielding the youngest-ever side against Aston Villa. Regardless of the high defeat at Villa Park, the players confidence is very high. Liverpool are leaders in the Premier League, winning all but one league match in the past five months. They have a 10-point advantage to the second-placed Leicester and 14 points more than the reigning champions Manchester City. Interesting to be mention, these two sides play each against other at the same time. Few words about the injury situation. Klopp has huge injury concerns, particularly in the defense. Two central defenders - Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip - stayed at home as they look to recover from thigh and knee injury respectively. Virgil van Dijk didn't play against Monterrey due to illness and he is rated as doubtful. Fabinho and Nathaniel Clyne are also out injured. Gini Wijnaldum skipped the semi-final, but could recover in time for this match.
Flamengo became South American champions after beating Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final. The match was played at the Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru on 23 November 2019. Flamengo won 2:1, securing their second tournament title. As champions, they qualified as the CONMEBOL representatives in Qatar. Flamengo had only a minor role in the golden era of Brazilian football, which was dominated instead by the likes of Pele's Santos and Garrincha's Botafogo. However, by the time they lifted their first title in 1980, they had grown to become one of the best supported clubs in the country. The early 80's became their own golden era. Lead by legendary Brazilian midfielder Zico, they claimed four league titles and the 1981 Libertadores Cup. They also won the Intercontinental Cup that year, winning 3:0 against Liverpool in the final. The results in the next period weren't too good, though they won another Brazilian league title in 1992. But after that, Flamengo spent years in both a football and financial wilderness, flirting with relegation and bankruptcy. The arrival of charismatic Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus in June brought two trophies in short period. When he took the team, Flamengo were third and eight points off the lead after 10 rounds. Five months later, they finished the season with a 16-point cushion over second-placed Santos and lifted the Copa Libertadores trophy. Flamengo have an average of 55.000 fans in their home games, 20.000 more than any other club in the Brazilian Serie A. Gabriel Barbosa 'Gabigol' and Bruno Henrique are the key players in the squad. They were best scorers in Serie A with 25 goals (Gabigol) and 21 (Henrique). Barbosa was also the Copa Libertadores top scorer with 9 goals. Flamengo secured the final after a 3:1 win over Al-Hilal. Jorge Jesus has no new injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match.
Liverpool vs Flamengo Prediction:
I expect both teams to score in the final. This should be a very exciting match packed full of attacking action. Liverpool will probably start with Salah, Firmino and Mane and it is impossible not to score. Aside from Villa match, the Reds failed to score just once the whole season, against Napoli. At the same time, Klopp has big defensive issues. Three of his four central defenders are struggling. Matip and Lovren stayed in England, while Van Dijk is rated as doubtful. The Reds have a problem to keep clean sheet generally, now even more. I think Flamengo will also find the back of the net.
Liverpool vs Flamengo Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.70 with Bwin
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Henderson, Robertson; Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shaqiri; Firmino, Mane, Salah
Flamengo:
Alves; Rafinha, Caio, Mari, Luis; Arao, Gerson; Ribeiro, De Arrascaeta, Henrique; Barbosa
Liverpool won 2:1 against Monterrey on Wednesday and secured the final. The Reds became the first English team to reach the final of the competition twice. Like many time this season, Jurgen Klopp's men scored a stoppage-time goal. The hero was Roberto Firmino, who netted the winning goal five minutes after coming on as a substitute. Naby Keita had opened the scoring in the first half after an excellent assist by Mohamed Salah. Statistic says no player has more assists for Liverpool in all competitions than Salah (31) since the start of the 2017/18 season. At this point I have to mention that Liverpool lost 5:0 to Aston Villa in Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday. It was a strange situation as they played two matches in two days, in two different competitions, on two different continents with two different managers and two different squads. In reality, Klopp decided to sacrifice the League Cup by fielding the youngest-ever side against Aston Villa. Regardless of the high defeat at Villa Park, the players confidence is very high. Liverpool are leaders in the Premier League, winning all but one league match in the past five months. They have a 10-point advantage to the second-placed Leicester and 14 points more than the reigning champions Manchester City. Interesting to be mention, these two sides play each against other at the same time. Few words about the injury situation. Klopp has huge injury concerns, particularly in the defense. Two central defenders - Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip - stayed at home as they look to recover from thigh and knee injury respectively. Virgil van Dijk didn't play against Monterrey due to illness and he is rated as doubtful. Fabinho and Nathaniel Clyne are also out injured. Gini Wijnaldum skipped the semi-final, but could recover in time for this match.
Flamengo became South American champions after beating Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final. The match was played at the Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru on 23 November 2019. Flamengo won 2:1, securing their second tournament title. As champions, they qualified as the CONMEBOL representatives in Qatar. Flamengo had only a minor role in the golden era of Brazilian football, which was dominated instead by the likes of Pele's Santos and Garrincha's Botafogo. However, by the time they lifted their first title in 1980, they had grown to become one of the best supported clubs in the country. The early 80's became their own golden era. Lead by legendary Brazilian midfielder Zico, they claimed four league titles and the 1981 Libertadores Cup. They also won the Intercontinental Cup that year, winning 3:0 against Liverpool in the final. The results in the next period weren't too good, though they won another Brazilian league title in 1992. But after that, Flamengo spent years in both a football and financial wilderness, flirting with relegation and bankruptcy. The arrival of charismatic Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus in June brought two trophies in short period. When he took the team, Flamengo were third and eight points off the lead after 10 rounds. Five months later, they finished the season with a 16-point cushion over second-placed Santos and lifted the Copa Libertadores trophy. Flamengo have an average of 55.000 fans in their home games, 20.000 more than any other club in the Brazilian Serie A. Gabriel Barbosa 'Gabigol' and Bruno Henrique are the key players in the squad. They were best scorers in Serie A with 25 goals (Gabigol) and 21 (Henrique). Barbosa was also the Copa Libertadores top scorer with 9 goals. Flamengo secured the final after a 3:1 win over Al-Hilal. Jorge Jesus has no new injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match.
Liverpool vs Flamengo Prediction:
I expect both teams to score in the final. This should be a very exciting match packed full of attacking action. Liverpool will probably start with Salah, Firmino and Mane and it is impossible not to score. Aside from Villa match, the Reds failed to score just once the whole season, against Napoli. At the same time, Klopp has big defensive issues. Three of his four central defenders are struggling. Matip and Lovren stayed in England, while Van Dijk is rated as doubtful. The Reds have a problem to keep clean sheet generally, now even more. I think Flamengo will also find the back of the net.
Liverpool vs Flamengo Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.70 with Bwin