Prediction: Monterrey vs Liverpool

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 2/11

Bookmaker: bet365

The annual Club World Cup adventure has begun once again as we look ahead to the semi-finals and final of a competition that will determine, in one way or another, who the best team in world football is. Today we’ll be taking a look at the semi-final which will be contested between Monterrey and Liverpool, which is a game that both sides will be coming into with a whole lot of confidence – with the strong belief that they can acquire the title of ‘world champions’.

Monterrey

Monterrey have always been viewed as one of the most dominant forces over in the Americas and in recent years, they’ve solidified that position. They’re in the final of the Liga MX Apertura despite scraping through as the eighth seed, they’re by far one of the most popular teams in their region, and they’re continuing to go from strength to strength. If they can pull off this scalp, then they’ll be incredibly confident of what they can accomplish in the final itself.

Team News

Hurtado has been ruled out with Gonzalez competing for a spot in the middle of the park with Ortiz. Janssen, the former Spurs forward, is a doubt, meaning that Rogelio Funes Mori, brother of the former Everton star Ramiro, could feature.

Liverpool

The Reds are firing on all cylinders at this moment in time, with the only real issue heading into this game being the fixture clash with their Carabao Cup tie against Aston Villa. It’s all a bit of a mess when you really give it some thought, but beyond that, Jurgen Klopp should still be very confident. His squad is more than capable of walking to victory in the Club World Cup and while it isn’t going to be that easy, there’s a reason why they’re being positioned as the favourites.

Team News

Lallana, Shaqiri and Origi are set to feature fairly heavily here whereas van Dijk and Wijnaldum are doubts through injury. Clyne, Fabinho, Lovren and Matip are all confirmed absences.

Factors to Consider

• The winner will face either Flamengo or Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup Final.
• Monterrey have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Liverpool have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Monterrey have scored 14 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Liverpool have scored 15 goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

Monterrey are going to come out swinging but we think a mixture of fatigue and quality will lead to Liverpool being the ones that progress through to the final of the Club World Cup. They’re going to be stretched throughout the pitch and we do actually believe the Mexican side will get on the scoresheet – but this Reds side have come too far to surrender control of a situation like this. They’ll progress, and they’ll do so in a similar manner to what they’ve done all season long so far.

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 2/11

Bookmaker: bet365