The top two in Group E collide on Wednesday as Inter Milan face River Plate in a decisive Club World Cup clash in Seattle. Both teams have four points and sit two clear of Monterrey, making this a winner-takes-all fixture for top spot and round of 16 qualification.
Match Overview
River Plate currently lead the group by goal difference and know that avoiding defeat would see them through. Inter Milan, who edged Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1 in their last outing, also have four points but will need a victory to avoid a possible slip if Monterrey beat Urawa convincingly.
This match is scheduled for a late 2am UK kickoff (9pm local time) and will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle. The stadium has already hosted both teams once in the tournament, setting the stage for a familiar battleground.
Team News
Both teams are expected to field strong lineups as they chase top spot. Inter Milan could make slight tweaks, especially in midfield, where they look to control tempo. Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella remain key figures, while Yann Sommer is expected to retain his place in goal.
River Plate will once again rely on the firepower of their attacking duo, with Pablo Solari and Miguel Borja leading the line. Coach Martin Demichelis has no new injury concerns, but a couple of rotations might occur to inject fresh legs into midfield.
Tactical Review
Inter Milan have looked solid defensively but need to be more ruthless in the final third. Their control-oriented style will clash with River Plate’s dynamic, transition-heavy approach. Expect Inter to keep possession while River look to strike quickly on the counter.
Set pieces could prove crucial, especially for River Plate, who have shown strength in aerial duels throughout the tournament. For Inter, maintaining shape in midfield will be vital to stifling River’s forward momentum.
How to Watch
The match will be streamed live on DAZN globally. UK fans can watch via the DAZN app across all devices, but the game is not being shown on Channel 5. Highlights and post-match reaction will be available via DAZN’s social media platforms.
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Inter Milan 1-1 River Plate
Both teams are evenly matched and unlikely to take unnecessary risks. A draw could see both progress depending on Monterrey’s result, and with tension running high, expect a cautious, tightly contested encounter.