Kick-off: 1730, 21/12/2019
Stadium: Khalifa International Stadium
TV: BBC One
Liverpool have a point to prove when they take on Flamengo in Saturday’s Club World Cup final at Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.
The Reds are trying to win the only trophy to so far evade them after three previous failed attempts, one of which was a 3-0 defeat against the Brazilian outfit back in 1981.
Conditions look conducive to an entertaining encounter, so we’re going with 2/1 for Jurgen Kopp’s side to prevail and both teams to score for our initial Liverpool vs Flamengo prediction.
A Look At Liverpool’s Betting Odds
Liverpool admittedly laboured to a 2-1 victory over Monterrey in the semis, as they struggled with injuries and absences.
Naby Keita’s early opener was quickly cancelled out by Rogelio Funes Mori, the twin brother of former Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori.
The tie then looked to be heading for extra-time until substitute Roberto Firmino popped up with a last-gasp decider.
Liverpool were missing Virgil Van Dijk with illness, meaning midfielder Jordan Henderson had to play alongside their one fit centre-back Joe Gomez.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Sadio Mane started on the bench, while a midfield trio of Adam Lallana, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struggled.
Klopp commented: “Tough game, a really tough game. We have just to recover as quick as possible and to make ourselves ready.”
However, looking ahead to the decider, the German declared: “We will be a different opponent, of course.”
We think the European champions can move up a gear with the trophy on the line and recent history certainly favours them.
The last six Champions League winners have gone on to lift this prestigious piece of silverware, while only Corinthians in 2012 have denied the Continent a 12-year monopoly.
Looking at the Liverpool vs Flamengo odds, Mane should be fresh after playing for just 25 minutes on Wednesday, so 4/1 he strikes first takes the eye.
A Look At Flamengo’s Betting Odds
Flamengo fans still chant about their memorable success in the Intercontinental Cup nearly four decades ago, which was the forerunner to this tournament.
Brazil legend Zico captained a side which rang rings around Bob Paisley’s Reds, who featured the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen.
The current team has been rebuilt by ex-Benfica manager Jorge Jesus, who took on Liverpool in the 2009-10 Europa League quarter-finals, winning 2-1 in Lisbon before being beaten 4-1 at Anfield.
“With Jorge Jesus as a manager, of course there’s a European influence,” said Klopp. “He is very experienced, very successful in Portugal and now in Brazil as well.
“We have a lot of respect for that, but at the end, we will try our best and we will see how it will work out.”
Flamengo usually use a 4-1-3-2 formation, like to press high up the pitch and play in a very positive manner.
Gabriel Barbosa is enjoying a successful loan spell from Inter Milan up front, top scoring in Brazil’s elite league and the Copa Libertadores.
Bruno Henrique is another proven marksman, who netted in a 3-1 semi-final triumph over Al-Hilal, while former Chelsea ace Filipe Luis and ex-Bayern Munich star Rafinha are experienced full-backs.
They should enjoy some positive moments, but we’re sticking with the Reds to oblige 3-1 at 21/2 to finish off our Liverpool vs Flamengo betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
Monterrey 1-2 LIVERPOOL – Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino
FLAMENGO 3-1 Al-Hilal – Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique, Ali Abulayhi (og)
Head-to-head: Flamengo 3-0 Liverpool
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