Monterrey (Mexico) vs Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) – Prediction (FIFA Club World Cup – 21.12.2019)

Preview and Teams Comparison.

A spirited display against Liverpool wasn’t enough for Monterrey in the end, as they conceded an injury-time goal to lose 2-1 last time out. Both of their FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) matches have now seen the Mexicans score before half-time but also concede after the 85th minute, whilst five of their last six competitive games have seen both teams score. That Liverpool loss ended a 13-game unbeaten streak for Monterrey (W10, D3), a run that’s seen eight games produce over 2.5 goals, and six of the ten wins arrive by a slim one-goal margin. To get back to winning ways they’ll be looking to strike first – the last nine games Monterrey netted the opener in, they won.

Al-Hilal’s 3-1 defeat to Flamengo ended their five-game winning run, although it did extend their scoring streak to 17 games. They netted the opener in that loss, something they have now done in their last six matches, as well as their previous three defeats. Favourites to win here, the Saudi outfit have scored at least three goals in five of their last eight victories, and have seen both teams score in ten of their previous 15 wins. Notably, their last four wins all involved Al-Hilal drawing the first half before winning the second.

Players to watch: Rogelio Funes has scored in the last six Monterrey games he’s played in. Both his CWC goals came before half-time as the second goal of the match. Bafétimbi Gomis (HIL) has scored in seven of his last ten games – five times before half-time.

Stat attack: The opener has been scored within the opening 25 minutes in seven of Monterrey’s last eight games. There’s been a red card in both of Al-Hilal’s CWC games so far. Monterrey have conceded two goals or less in their last seven defeats.

Match Info and Live Scores.