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Mixed martial arts Fluminense vs Al Ahly Tips: Team News, Betting Predictions, Best Bets and Match Stats
The Club World Cup semi-finals kicks off on Monday evening, so, of course, South American expert Nathan Joyes provides his Fluminense vs Al Ahly expert tips, as the two heavyweights go head-to-head in Rio de Janeiro. Will this result define Fernando Diniz’s career in the hot seat?
Below you’ll find expert football betting tips for Fluminense vs Al Ahly provided by bettingexpert author, Nathan Joyes, as well as match stats, insight, predictions and everything in between.
Fluminense vs Al Ahly Tips
In this article:
Fluminense vs Al Ahly Tip 1: Egyptians underestimated once more
Saudi Arabia, Club World Cup, Monday, 18th December, 18:00 (UK)
With a date likely to be against Manchester City, who face Urawa Red Diamonds, in the final, there’s plenty at stake for both Fluminense and Al Ahly.
The 43 time Egyptian champions stunned Al-Ittihad with a 3-1 victory in the quarter-finals, as well as having a fourth disallowed as they ran riot against Marcelo Gallardo’s new team.
Plenty expected Al-Ittihad to thrive in their own stadium, but from the first minute Al Ahly refused to back down and took the game to the Saudi Arabian club.
Quick counter attacking play from the Egyptian side saw them ruthless in the second half, with two quick goals from Hussein El Shahat and Emam Ashour putting the game to bed within the hour.
For regular readers of my column, you’ll know by now Fernando Diniz plays his own expansive football. His positionless formation in an opponent’s half saw his side go on to lift the Libertadores and set up their first ever appearance at the Club World Cup.
German Cano scored 40 goals across all competitions in 2023, while his apprentice, John Kennedy, scored 17 – 15 coming in the second half. They are fluid, dangerous and have been ruthless – yet this has often come at the Maracana rather than on their travels.
Al Ahly coped well with the humid conditions in Jeddah last week, and they’ve once again been wildly underestimated in the market. Although Fluminense have a vast amount of experience within their side, with the likes of Felipe Melo and Marcelo, it won’t be plain sailing for the Brazilian club.
We must factor in Fluminense’s gruelling campaign which started back in March. It’s been a long year for the Brazilian club and against a fast paced Al Ahly side, they may be vulnerable to their attacking play.
Fluminense vs Al Ahly Tip 2: Nino in ref’s Notebook
With Al Ahly’s pace on the counter attack, Fluminense will be worried with an ageing backline. Marcelo (35) and Felipe Melo (40) will have to use their experience in order to stop the Egyptians.
Next to Felipe Melo will be their captain, Nino, and although far junior at the age of 26, his lack of mobility may be a weakness on Monday evening.
The 26-year-old has had a fine campaign in Brazil, but he’s also managed to pick up 12 yellow cards and two reds along the way.
His positioning and reading of the game isn’t an issue, neither is his ability in the air standing at over six feet tall. However, in one v one situations, the Brazilian’s lack of mobility to turn and keep up with fast paced wingers or attackers has been his achilles heel.
As mentioned, Al Ahly’s attacking players possess a lot of pace , and proved to be too quick against Al-Ittihad’s defence. With Fluminense’s ageing backline, Nino could be left exposed on occasions in what looks set to be a rather open, entertaining game of football.
If Al Ahly counter, Nino will have his work cut out and “taking one for the team” may be one of his jobs in order to help Fluminense get to the final on Saturday.
Fluminense vs Al Ahly Team News: Missing Modeste
Al Ahly’s Anthony Modeste was only on the pitch for three minutes before he was sent off against Al-Ittihad, and the forward will miss out against Fluminense. Aside from this, the Egyptians have no fresh injury concerns.
Fluminense also arrived in Saudi Arabia with a fully fit squad to pick from. Andre, who has been linked with a Premier League move in January, may play his last game for the club if the Brazilians do not progress to the final. Nino has been linked with Nottingham Forest and the captain may also wave goodbye to the Tricolor on Monday evening.
German Cano is expected to lead the line having fired in an astonishing 40 goals in 2023, but the man who scored the winning goal in the Libertadores final, John Kennedy, will no doubt have his opportunity in the second half.
Fluminense vs Al Ahly Match Stats: The final awaits
- This is Fluminense’s first ever appearance in the Club World Cup
- Al Ahly has only lost one of their last 17 competitive matches
- This will be Al Ahly’s fourth consecutive Club World Cup semi-final
- The Egyptian club has lost four of their last five Club World Cup matches to Brazilian opponents
- Al Ahly have gone on to lose their last 10 Club World Cup matches when conceding two goals inside 90 minutes
How to watch Team Fluminense vs Al Ahly
- Date and Time: Monday, December 18th, 18:00 (UK)
- How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): BT Sport 2
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