CW - Football - International - FIFA - Club World Cup

This will be the last edition under the current format.

Seattle Sounders
The first MLS club to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, the second time the CONCACAF club will not be from Mexico. In 2005 Saprissa achieved the third position.

Seattle Sounders won CONCACAF Champions League after defeating 5-2 Pumas UNAM in a double legged final. Seattle Sounders was able to focus solely in the final meanwhile Pumas UNAM was competing to qualify for Liga MX playoffs.

The main disadvantage for Seattle Sounders is they are in their preseason as the Major League Soccer season does not stars until the end of February, their last official match was in October. An scoreless draw against German Wolfsberger and 2-3 loss against Swedish Hamarby has been their activity since.

Nevertheless posses important players as Stefan Frei, Christian Roldan, Nicolas Lodeiro and Raul Ruidiaz.

Al Ahly
Until two months ago Al Ahly was not going to take part in this edition as they ended as runner-up in the 2021-22 CAF Champions League in May behind Morrocan club Wydad Casablanca. Morroco was appointed as the tournament host in December and Al Ahly got a place in the tournament.

This is Al Alhy eighth participation in this tournament, the most appearances among all African clubs. Al Ahly best achivement has been third place three times. Back to back third place in last two editions.

In this edition, defeated 3-0 Auckland City to get their place in Quarter-finals in which they have a record of four wins and three defeats. Having taken place in the previous two editions, clearly and experienced squad in this level.

First place in Egypt Premier League with 37 points in 15 matches a pending match and six points cushion from Pyramids FC allowed them to focus completely in this match.

Match
Expect a tight encounter, in which the physical aspect might played a role later in the match. Seattle Sounders posses offensive power to keep Al Ahly vigilant and compete in this match.

Prediction
Al Ahly should have control of the gameplay due to their better match fitness in contrast to preseason Seattle Sounders. If Sounders take the offensive should be wary in the back due to Al Ahly counter attacking speed. Al Ahly experience in this competition gives the edge to the Egyptian side over the debutant Sounders.

04/02/2023 07:18, read 571 times