Club World Cup preview: Odds, predictions, team news, stats and how to watch

Champions from their continents across the world head to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for the start of the FIFA Club World Cup this week.

While the likes of Champions League winners Manchester City and Copa Libertadores title holders Fluminense have a bye through to the semi-finals, others will have to battle their way to the last four.

The action starts on Tuesday evening, with local side Al-Ittihad Jeddah taking on Auckland City, while the second game on Friday sees Mexican outfit Leon go toe-to-toe with Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.
 

Al-Ittihad Jeddah v Auckland City odds

Al-Ittihad Jeddah - 1/10
Draw - 17/2
Auckland 28/1

Al-Ittihad Jeddah v Auckland City information

• Where is Al-Ittihad Jeddah v Auckland City? King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
• When is Al-Ittihad Jeddah v Auckland City? 18:00, Tuesday 12th December
• Where can I watch Al-Ittihad Jeddah v Auckland City? TNT Sports 3 & FIFA+

Al-Ittihad Jeddah v Auckland City prediction

Al-Ittihad Jeddah to win and both teams to score - 15/8

With three games between themselves and the final, Al-Ittihad Jeddah will look to make a strong start to the competition when they face Auckland City on Tuesday evening.

Auckland will try and make themselves tough to break down in Jeddah, but Al-Ittihad, with the likes of Fabinho, N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema in their ranks, should have too much quality for the side from New Zealand.

Conceding in all of their last six games in all competitions, a porous defence has been part of the problem of Al-Ittihad and it would be little surprise to see Auckland get on the scoresheet.

However, the hosts should have enough quality to come out on top and the Al-Ittihad to win and both teams to score market offers decent value.

Abderrazak Hamdallah first goalscorer - 7/2 

While the arrival of Benzema grabbed plenty of headlines over the summer, Abderrazak Hamdallah has been also making a fine contribution when it comes to goals this season.

With eight goals in his first 13 appearances in the league, the 32-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign.

Also one of the established penalty takers at the club, Hamdallah to bag the opening goal of the game is also worth considering at 7/2.

Leon v Urawa Red Diamonds odds

Leon - 6/5
Draw - 12/5
Urawa Red Diamonds - 11/5

Leon v Urawa Red Diamonds information

• Where is Leon v Urawa Red Diamonds? Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah
• When is Leon v Urawa Red Diamonds? 14:30, Tuesday 12th December
• Where can I watch Leon v Urawa Red Diamonds?  TNT Sports 1 & FIFA+

Leon v Urawa Red Diamonds prediction

Leon to win - 6/5  

Facing each other for the first time in their respective histories, Mexico’s Leon will take on Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan on Friday afternoon.

Two underdogs heading into the Club World Cup, both sides will fancy their chances of avoiding an early exit from the competition.

However, Leon look capable of edging this one against a Urawa side who have been struggling for form of late.

The Red Diamonds have won just two of their last nine games in all competitions and might struggle against a Leon side who are unbeaten in their last nine home games.

Granted this game is on the road, but the better form lies with Leon and they can prevail here.

Federico Vinas to score anytime - 2/1   

Top goalscorer of Leon in Liga MX this season, Federico Vinas is certainly a player to look out for in the anytime goalscorer market.

The 24-year-old has already found the back of the net eight times in 16 appearances this season, with Nicolas Lopez the second-highest goalscorer at the club with four.

With five goals in Leon’s last six games, Vinas to score anytime at 2/1 is certainly worth considering in Friday’s encounter.
 

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.