Fluminense vs Al Hilal predictions: Arias picked to register Flu shots
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- Jhon Arias has had at least three shots in three of Fluminense's four CWC matches
- Al Hilal have faced 75 shots across their four CWC games, including 30 against Man City
- Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 Jhon Arias Shots
Fluminense and Al Hilal meet in the first quarter-final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, on Friday.
Both sides recorded major upsets to reach the last eight, with Fluminense having eliminated Inter Milan and Al Hilal stunning Manchester City after extra time.
It means there is no reunion for Simone Inzaghi, who left the Nerazzurri to take over at coach of the Saudi Pro League club on the eve of the tournament.
Inzaghi has gradually moulded Al Hilal into his preferred 3-5-2 formation and could face a similar approach from Renato Gaucho, who switched to three at the back for Flu’s 2-0 victory over Inter.
Team news
Fluminense will have to do without suspended left wing-back Rene, who was booked against Inter.
Gabriel Fuentes, who started the second group match against Ulsan HD at left-back, is chief among the options to fill in.
Matheus Martinelli is struggling with an injury he sustained in the round of 16 and could be replaced by Hercules, who scored the clincher against Inter, in midfield.
Otherwise, Renato Gaucho is likely to stick with the same players that toppled Inter with ex-Chelsea and AC Milan star Thiago Silva at the heart of the back three.
Al Hilal have no fresh injury concerns, despite Inzaghi making several substitutions during their epic 4-3 win over Manchester City.
Mohamed Kanno, who came in for the injured Salem Al-Dawsari, should therefore start alongside Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Nasser Al-Dawsari in midfield.
Malcolm will roam further forward behind lone striker Marcos Leonardo, who looks set to start with Aleksandar Mitrovic still short of fitness.
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The stats
Fluminense and Al Hilal have each faced the fewest number of shots on target (17) of the eight clubs that remain in the Club World Cup.
Al Hilal have scored at least two goals in six of their last nine matches, but have conceded three goals in four of their last 10 outings in all competitions.
Fluminense have never lost to Saudi opposition at the Club World Cup, while Al Hilal have both won and lost against Brazilian sides in previous editions.
Al Hilal generated 3.16 xG and scored four times from just six shots on target against Manchester City, despite only 31% possession and being outshot 30-17.
Prediction
Al Hilal’s extra-time heroics against Pep Guardiola’s side will mean they could be classed as favourites to beat Fluminense in some quarters.
But they may need to bring a sharper defensive focus into this clash after allowing City to register 30 shots, 15 of which were on target, in Charlotte.
Jhon Arias could be the Fluminense dangerman in any case after his impressive performances in the United States.
The Colombian attacking midfielder has been a constant menace to opponents with his pace and eye for goal.
Arias has registered at least three shots in three of his four Club World Cup matches this summer and will be looking to test Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou whenever he gets the chance.
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