The clash between European champions Manchester City and South American counterparts Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup final takes place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Friday night.
Match Preview
Manchester City, after a challenging period in the Premier League, secured a convincing 3-0 win against Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-finals to advance to their first-ever Club World Cup final.
They look to continue their recent success and potentially make history by winning five trophies in a calendar year, a feat no English club has achieved before.
Pep Guardiola’s side, named Team of the Year at the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, aims to clinch the Club World Cup and become the fourth English team to do so.
Fluminense, victorious in the Copa Libertadores, secured their spot in the final with a 2-0 win over Al Ahly.
Their manager, Fernando Diniz, is confident in his team’s abilities despite acknowledging the challenge they face against Manchester City.
Fluminense seeks to emulate Corinthians, the last non-European team to win the Club World Cup in 2012.
However, they face a formidable Manchester City side led by Guardiola, who has previously won the tournament three times with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Team News
Manchester City will miss Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku due to tournament regulations allowing only the same 23 players from the semi-finals to participate in the final.
Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol may return to the defense, while Julian Alvarez could start in attack alongside Rodri, Kovacic, and Foden.
Fluminense has a clean bill of health and is likely to field the same lineup from their semi-final victory, with goalkeeper Fabio set to become the oldest player to appear in a Club World Cup final.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City: (4-2-3-1)
Ederson;
Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol;
Rodri, Kovacic;
Bernardo, Foden, Grealish;
Alvarez
Fluminense: (4-2-3-1)
Fabio;
Xavier, Nino, Melo, Marcelo;
Andre, Martinelli;
Arias, Ganso, Keno;
Cano
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Fluminense
Manchester City aims to rectify defensive mistakes and capitalize on their attacking prowess against Fluminense’s experienced yet vulnerable defense.
Guardiola’s side is favored to secure the Club World Cup title, despite Fluminense’s goal-scoring potential.