FIFA Club World Cup — Tips and bets

Liverpool saw off Mexican outfit Monterrey in midweek to reach the final and will now be looking to claim their first ever Club World Cup title, having lost at this stage in 2005 against another Brazilian side in Sao Paulo.Unbeaten in 20 games, ignoring they defeat to Aston Villa in the League Cup this week which included a youthful side, Jurgen Klopp’s men come into the game high on confidence.Flamengo had never played in the Club World Cup prior to a win over Al Hilal in midweek but will now be looking to cause an upset.Domestic champions in addition to their Copa Libertadores win that got them here, the Brazilians will certainly be no pushovers.

Liverpool gunning for title

Champions League winners and looking set to run away with the Premier League title after 16 wins from 17 matches, you could already make a very valid argument that Liverpool are currently the world’s best team. On Saturday, The Reds will have the chance to claim said tag in an official capacity and will be itching to do exactly that, having never won the competition before.

Jurgen Klopp’s men weren’t quite at their scintillating best in a 2-1 win over Mexicans Monterrey in midweek but got the job done to continue their excellent form. Indeed, ignoring their much-publicised defeat to Aston Villa in midweek with a group of youngsters, the side are now unbeaten in an impressive 20 games; of which they’ve won 17.   

Flamengo looking to cause an upset

Meanwhile, having romped to the Serie A title with a huge 90 points from 38 matches in addition to winning the Copa Libertadores, Brazilians Flamengo will certainly be no pushovers in this fixture. Indeed, Portuguese boss Jorge Jesus has revolutionised the team’s style of play and has finally unlocked the potential of a club that has been perennially underachieving in recent history.  

Flamengo didn’t play particularly well against Al Hilal in midweek to reach this point but their attacking quality bailed them out, as Mengao came back from 1-0 down to win 3-1. Having netted an average of 2.26 goals a game on their way to claiming the domestic title, as well as having used their firepower to secure continental glory, it’s clear Flamengo have the quality to trouble any opponent and they’ll be hoping that’s the case this weekend.

Exciting contest on the cards

Ultimately, we’re expecting Saturday’s game to be a very exciting one, packed with attacking action. Both sides are very open in nature and, with a big title on the line, we expect both to approach the game with a desire to get forward and to play at high intensity.

All things considered, backing Both Teams to Score looks the only way to play as far as the betting is concerned, when looking at the rate both Liverpool and Flamengo score with, and is something we’re more than happy to do.

I fully expect the Brazilians to get themselves on the scoresheet but it cannot be denied they are still big underdogs in the game. I also fancy Liverpool to run out 2-1 winners as a result, repeating their semi-final scoreline against Monterrey.

Though they eventually went down 2-1, Monterrey drew plaudits for their competitive performance against UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool in midweek.The Mexicans will now be looking to take the bronze medal home with them.Al Hilal were also fairly competitive in their midweek semi-final but despite having lead 1-0, they eventually lost 3-1 to Flamengo.

Monterrey looking to end on a high

Having came into their semi-final clash with Liverpool highly expected to be on the end of a heavy defeat, CONCACAF Champions League holders Monterrey gave Jurgen Klopp’s troops a real scare. Indeed, the Mexicans managed more shots and more shots on target than Liverpool but conceded at the death to lose 2-1.

That’s left a feeling of disappointment in the camp but they’ll be highly motivated to build on such a strong performance and try to secure the bronze medal in Saturday’s game. With the final of the Apertura league phase awaiting them when they return home, Monterrey will want to generate some momentum via a win and if they hit the standard they did in midweek, they should stand a good chance

Al Hilal also aiming for third place

Meanwhile, Al Hilal also went into their semi final clash with Copa Libertadores holders Flamengo as big underdogs. They had the Brazilians rocked in the first half and went into the break 1-0 up but were then overpowered by Flamengo’s firepower and ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 full time scoreline.

Al Hilal showed they can attack and counter dangerously in said fixture but also displayed clear defensive frailties that have to be a concern coming into Saturday’s match. Indeed, having conceded an average of 1.44 goals a game over their last 9 matches, Al Hilal aren’t the most secure of sides defensively and will have to tighten things up if they are to get the better of a Monterrey side with clear ability in attack

Monterrey look a good play

Ultimately, we’re expecting this to be a pretty competitive game but cannot really understand why Monterrey have been priced as such big underdogs. They looked impressive against Liverpool, are enjoying an excellent season overall and should have more than enough quality to trade blows with Al Hilal.

All things considered, we see good value in backing Monterrey on the Draw No Bet line and feel it’s the best way to play as far as the betting is concerned. Al Hilal’s defensive issues are a big concern coming into the game and aren’t really befitting to the favourites tag attached to them and we fancy the Mexicans to run out 2-1 winners come full time.

I'll give Guadalajara Chivas a win for a reason. They may not have delived so well in this competition but if I look at the class between the two clubs and their home leagues respectively, I find Chivas having the upper hand to win this much. Esperance de Tunis is doing well but all their previous wins, you can't match those teams with Chivas

Every major tournament, always go for the home team

This team is not gonna score against real ever