Liverpool head to Qatar this week to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup. The Reds are seeking their second trophy of the season after lifting the UEFA Super Cup in August. Jurgen Klopp’s UEFA Champions League winners will enter at the semifinal stage against Mexico’s Monterrey after the latter side defeated Qatar’s Al Sadd in the quarterfinals. With the FIFA Club World Cup kicking off this week, football fans can visit Betenemy.com for the latest promo codes, bet bonuses, and tips before the matches kick off.
Liverpool head into the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup atop the English Premier League. The Reds extended their lead at the weekend to 10 points thanks to a scrappy win over Watford and a Leicester City draw with Norwich City. Liverpool will now play two matches in Qatar with the semifinal starting things on 18 December.
Monterrey to semifinals
Monterrey are currently playing their Apertura domestic campaign in the Mexican Liga. The team has advanced to the semifinals of the Apertura playoffs where they will play Club America on 27 December. Monterrey certainly have one player familiar with Liverpool and that is former Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Janssen. The striker moved to Monterrey last summer and has been a decent addition this season scoring two goals and adding an assist in 13 matches.
The Mexicans advanced to the semifinals thanks to a 3-2 win over Al Sadd. Monterrey scored goals through Leonel, Rogelino Funes Mori, and Carlos Gomez. They did suffer a second-half scare due to goals from Baghdad Bounedjah and Abdelkarim Hassan. However, that scoreline flattered Al Sadd as Hassan’s goal was scored in the 89th minute.
Liverpool’s form is incredible
It is easy to say that Liverpool will arrive at the FIFA Club World Cup and thrash the teams before them. Even with superior talent, Liverpool have a target on their backs like they do not possess in the Premier League.
Liverpool may be unbeaten in 19 straight games in all competitions, but they are suffering fixture congestion and injuries right now. Centre-back Dejan Lovren picked up a knee injury against Red Bull Salzburg on matchday 6 in the Champions League.
It was followed by midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum suffering a muscle injury against Watford on Saturday. Wijnaldum may not make the trip to Qatar. Although it is believed Liverpool can dominate teams at the FIFA Club World Cup, fitness and injuries could play a major role.
Prediction: Liverpool vs. Monterrey
Monterrey are on a 13-match unbeaten run and have been impressive. The Mexicans are in fine form and will fancy their chances against Liverpool. The Reds head to Qatar with a split squad. Tuesday night will see Liverpool play in England in the Carabao Cup against Aston Villa. The fixture will feature mostly young players competing.
Regardless of the split squad and injury issues now facing Klopp, Liverpool should get past Monterrey. The Mexicans defence doesn’t play against attacks quite like Liverpool’s front three. In addition, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is in fine form keeping three straight clean sheets in all competitions. Liverpool should win against Monterrey with its stars impressing.
