Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FIFA Club World Cup match.
Urawa Red Diamonds have already been eliminated from the competition and will play their final group match without any stakes. After defeats to River Plate (1:3) and Inter Milan (1:2), Urawa Red Diamonds remain bottom of the group with zero points. CF Monterrey, by contrast, still have a chance of reaching the knockout round. The Mexicans must secure a win to keep their hopes of finishing second in the group alive.
Urawa Red Diamonds
Urawa Red Diamonds have shown flashes of attacking intent, scoring two goals in the tournament so far despite generating only 1.54 xG. However, their defensive record has been concerning. Against River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds conceded three goals from just five shots on target, and in the meeting with Inter Milan, the Japanese team squandered a late lead. Defensive lapses have been a recurring issue, with at least one costly mistake in eight of their last nine outings.
CF Monterrey
CF Monterrey were held to a goalless draw by River Plate and failed to score in that match, but prior to that, the team had scored in 15 consecutive games. Defensively, the Mexicans have conceded in 15 of their last 19 matches, though they have avoided conceding more than three goals in any single game during that span.
Urawa Red Diamonds vs CF Monterrey Prediction
With their qualification hopes at stake and Urawa Red Diamonds lacking motivation, CF Monterrey are clear favourites. They are expected to capitalise on the defensive vulnerabilities of Urawa Red Diamonds and secure all three points. Nonetheless, the Japanese team could find chances of their own against CF Monterrey.
