FIFA Club World Cup, Liverpool v Flamengo Match - Dilta Sport

FIFA Club World Cup, Liverpool v Flamengo Match

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Liverpool v Flamengo
FIFA Club World Cup final
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2019
Kick off at 20:30 UK/ 19:30 CET
Venue: Khalifa International StadiumThe Club World Cup final takes place this weekend with the champions of Europe taking on the champions of South America in Qatar.

PREDICTIONS

Liverpool progressed through to the final after seeing off Mexican side Monterrey in Wednesday’s semi-final thanks to Roberto Firmino’s last minute winner.The Reds sacrificed their EFL Cup prospects to compete in this tournament – an experimental side lost 5-0 at Aston Villa in the quarter-finals with the first-team in Qatar.Flamengo also survived a scare to progress through to the final – they came from a goal behind at the break to defeat Qatari side Al Hilal 3-1 on Tuesday.

Brazil’s biggest club enjoyed a memorable year by lifting both their league title and the Copa Libertadores – a feat never previously achieved. But Champions League holders Liverpool are likely to be too strong in what should be a fascinating encounter. The Reds can win it 3-1.

Liverpool Team News, Updates and Facts

Liverpool Team News

Jurgen Klopp rotated quite a bit in the match on Wednesday, with some of it being forced and some if by his own decision making.  This fixture should see a return to his side looking more familiar, though they will be without the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Fabinho in midfield and defenders Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip through injuries.  Virgil van Dijk missed the semi through illness, but he is expected to return here.

Liverpool Key Man

It was pretty fitting that two Brazilians were the key factors in getting the Reds a match up with a Brazilian side in this World club final.  Alisson was spectacular in goal for Liverpool, who were not able to play as confidently at the back.  He made up for it, though, with a string of huge saves.  Up front, Roberto Firmino came off the bench to provide a winner and show just how skilled and vital to the team he is.  He made a clever run and then poked the ball home deftly to ensure no upset could be staged in extra time or penalties.

Liverpool Team Form

Liverpool have won each of  their last five matches:

1-2 win vs Monterrey
2-0 home win vs Watford (EPL)
0-2 win at RB Salzburg (UCL)
0-3 win at Bournemouth (EPL)
5-2 home win vs Everton (EPL)

Liverpool Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-3-3

Liverpool likely XI

  • Goalkeeper:Alisson
  • Defenders:Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson
  • Midfielders:Henderson, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain
  • Forwards:Salah, Mane, Firmino

Flamengo Team News, Updates and Facts

Flamengo Team News

Jorge Jesus will have a full side to pick from for this Club World Cup Final as his side look to bring a title home to South America.  They will have one extra day of rest to do it as well.

Flamengo Key Man

The striker, known as ‘Gabigol’ by many, may take most of the plaudits with Flamengo, but their wing play is great, too.  Bruno Henrique showed just that on Tuesday as he scored the winner and set up the equalizer as they came from behind against the Saudis.  His fellow attacking midfielder, Giorgian de Arrascaeta is also one worth watching.  He scored the goal that leveled up the scores, allowing them a platform to go and attack their opposition and grab the win in the end.

Flamengo Team Form

Flamengo have four wins and a loss in their last five matches:

3-1 win vs Al Hilal
4-0 loss at Santos (Serie A)
6-1 home win vs Avai (SEA)
1-3 win at Palmeiras (SEA)
4-1 home win vs Ceara (SEA)

Flamengo Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-2-3-1

Flamengo likely XI

  • Goalkeeper:Alves
  • Defenders:Rafinha, Caio, Mari, Filipe Luis
  • Defensive Midfielders:Arao, Gerson
  • Attacking Midfielders:Everton, De Arrascaeta, Henrique
  • Forwards:Barbosa