FIFA Club World Cup Picks & Predictions (6/26): Group Stage Comes to a Close

Can RB Salzburg hang on against Real Madrid?

The final groups wrap up their matches today in the FIFA Club World Cup. There have been 12 teams who already punched their ticket into the Round of 16, and four more complete our bracket. Let’s get into our best bets on the pitch.

So far, these 12 teams have advanced, and matchup in the Round of 16.

  • Palmeiras vs. Botafogo
  • Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami
  • Benfica vs. Chelsea
  • Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich
  • Inter Milan vs. Fluminense
  • Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey

Today, Groups G and H finish up, with the top finishers facing the runner ups from the opposite group in the next round.

FIFA Club World Cup: Thursday’s Predictions June 26

Will Manchester City take down Juventus and top the group?

Rodri has made his return to the pitch for Manchester City

Group G Analysis

Juventus and Manchester City are both moving on from Group G as they battle today, but one could top the other. Both are tied at six points a piece, and are even on goal differential at +8 as well. So if these teams draw and are still even, what’s the next tiebreaker? Goals scored is the next step in determining who will top the table. Juventus currently have the advantage, therefore they end up in first place with a draw.

Al Ain and Wydad AC are playing for pride as both have been eliminated.

Group H Analysis

Real Madrid is tied with RB Salzburg with four points a piece, however the Spaniards are up one on goal differential. They battle today, and likely both move on with a draw. However, either could be easily eliminated with a loss. Al Hilal has two points and takes on Pachuca. If they win today, and Madrid and Salzburg draw, all three would be tied at five points, and goal differential would determine who moves on. Hypothetically if the top two teams draw, Real Madrid would stay ahead of RB Salzburg. Therefore, a big win from Al Hilal could be enough to propel them into the bracket.

Juventus vs. Manchester City: Club World Cup Best Bets

Can Juventus take down Manchester City?

Vlahovic has one goal for Juventus, subbing on in both FIFA Club World Cup matches

Best Bet: Juventus or Draw Double Chance (+110) BetOnline

The Italians only need a draw to seal this group since they lead the English side on goal differential. Because of this, I see them playing conservative and bracing for City’s attack. These two are head and shoulders above the others in their group, so neither has really been tested yet in this tournament. Manchester City pitched two shutouts, while Juventus won 5-0 and 4-1 in their matches.

Today I see Juventus playing to secure the top of the table. What that means, is hanging on for dear life as Manchester City throws all their aggression towards goal. The full game draw at (+268) is also incredibly tempting in my eyes, but on the off chance the Italians can take advantage of a counter attack, I’ll back them on the double chance line.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+650)

RB Salzburg vs. Real Madrid: Club World Cup Best Bets

Trent Alexander-Arnold boosts the power of Real Madrid's back line

Trent Alexander-Arnold has made two starts as a member of Real Madrid

Best Bet: Under 3.5 (-104) BetOnline

We are going under this big number tonight. Real Madrid are -340 to win this match, and I see them doing so. However, RB Salzburg is going to give it their best effort. The Austrians should assume Al Hilal takes down Pachuca, meaning they would need at least a draw just to have a shot at advancing. Therefore, I see Salzburg being extra conservative and cautious, as they do not want to get into a shootout with Real Madrid.

The Spaniards will do whatever it takes to win, but I think the Austrian side’s defense is strong enough to not let it get out of control. Ultimately if you are RB Salzburg, you play for a scoreless draw, and hope Pachuca can at least walk away with a point. Real Madrid are clearly the better team, but I see no value backing them on any of the lines. If Salzburg can hold the Spaniards to just two goals, we shouldn’t have a problem cashing this line.

Prediction: Real Madrid Wins 2-0 (+750)

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