Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FIFA Club World Cup match.
Borussia Dortmund, with Jude Bellingham in the squad, will aim to break down a resilient Fluminense defence marshalled by Thiago Silva. Borussia Dortmund have arrived with a strong lineup, though several absentees could weaken the overall stability of their defensive unit.
Fluminense
Fluminense have been in excellent form. Over their past six fixtures, they have recorded five wins and a draw, scoring 13 goals while conceding only three. Their attacking line has been particularly efficient — in seven of their last nine outings, the squad have scored at least twice. Kevin Serna has stood out during this spell, netting four goals. Thiago Silva remains fit and continues to lead with composure and experience.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund ended their domestic campaign on a five-match winning streak, but defensive frailties remain. The team conceded an average of 1.5 goals per match in the Bundesliga and have kept only two clean sheets in their last 14 games across all competitions. Squad depth is also an issue. Borussia Dortmund are missing several key players for the Club World Cup, including Nico Schlotterbeck, Emre Can, Salih Ozcan, and Soumaïla Coulibaly, all sidelined due to injuries.
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction
On paper, Borussia Dortmund are seen as favourites, but they arrive at the tournament following a demanding season and with significant concerns over squad availability. Fluminense, by contrast, come into the match in strong form and have demonstrated attacking consistency, which could exploit vulnerabilities in Borussia Dortmund defence.
