Egypt’s Al Ahly and the USA’s Inter Miami are opening the FIFA Club World Cup group stage at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Each team will face the other three teams in its group once, and the top two teams will advance to the round of 16.
Facts
- Nine straight Inter Miami games have ended with over 2.5 goals, with eight of them featuring over 3.5 goals.
- Al Ahly is on an eight-game unbeaten streak, winning six straight, despite scoring just once in each of the two most recent games.
- Inter Miami have conceded in 10 straight games.
- Inter Miami are playing in its home stadium.
Betting Tip Al Ahly - Inter Miami
Inter Miami is essentially guaranteed to concede, as their defence is close to youth-team levels. Still, they have Lionel Messi up front, and scoring might as well be a given. We find the odds for Both Teams to Score appealing, especially when combined with Over 2.5 Goals.
- Betting tip: BTTS + Over 2.5
- Odds: 2.10 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 7
Al Ahly
In the eyes of many, they are the most recognisable African club. They certainly are the most well-known and most successful Egyptian club, and thanks to that, they were able to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The team is about to be on the world’s biggest stage, and they will do so first, in the opening game of the competition against the team with Lionel Messi on the roster.
On the football side of things, they will be entering the competition in very fine form. They are eight games unbeaten, with six straight wins and a goal differential of 22 goals scored to six conceded.
This game will be key for the remainder of the group stage, as the winner, should there be one, will have a commanding lead in the race for a top-2 spot. Considering that Porto is a favourite for one of these spots, a draw here will make it unlikely for both teams to advance.
Inter Miami
The team is attracting a great deal of attention in this tournament, both from a footballing standpoint and otherwise. The reason is obvious: Lionel Messi. His presence is enough to bring the team into the spotlight for most of the competition.
In truth, he is a big reason that Inter Miami is even in the competition. Despite that, and despite Messi’s obvious quality, football is a team sport, and it is difficult to predict how far his team can advance in this competition.
In the US domestic competition, they have proved to be an exceptional offensive side, and just as poor at defending against just about anyone. They have scored 24 goals and conceded 26 in their last 10 games.
It might be too late in the season for any stunning turnaround at the back, though they will have a home advantage going for them. That might end up mattering, especially regarding the games’ officiating.
