Palmeiras vs Al Ahly predictions: Brazilians can build on solid start
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- Palmeiras have won 15 of their last 19 matches
- Five of Al Ahly’s last seven games have featured at least three goals
- Recommended bet: Palmeiras -1 Handicap
Group A looks like being one of the most keenly contested at the Club World Cup with all four teams sitting on one point with no goals scored and none conceded.
Al Ahly started their challenge with a 0-0 draw against Inter Miami, although they wasted a glorious chance to win the game when Trezeguet fluffed his lines from the penalty spot.
However, the Egyptians should be anticipating a step up in grade against Palmeiras, who created the better chances in their goalless draw with Porto.
The teams faced each other at the 2021 Club World Cup semi-final stage in Abu Dhabi with Palmeiras securing a 2-0 success.
Team news
Palmeiras are having to get by without long-term injured winger Bruno Rodrigues (knee), who hasn’t played competitively since joining the club in December 2023.
Changes could be contemplated and Argentinian forward Jose Lopez may be considered after netting twice in last month’s 6-0 success at home to Sporting Cristal on matchday six of the Copa Libertadores.
Al Ahly suffered a major blow after just 13 minutes of their 0-0 draw with Inter Miami when striker Eman Ashour was forced off with a broken collarbone.
Ashour made way for Zizo, who may be in line for his first start of the tournament. Trezeguet should continue to lead the attack despite his penalty miss at the weekend.
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The stats
Seven of Palmeiras’ last eight wins have been accompanied by clean sheets.
Palmeiras have scored at least two goals in four of their last seven matches.
Palmeiras have started the scoring in seven of their last 11 fixtures.
Al Ahly have lost their last two Club World Cup matches against South American teams.
Prediction
Palmeiras missed some decent chances against Porto in their opening game of the tournament and they can show a more clinical edge when facing Al Ahly, who could be swept aside at the MetLife Stadium.
The race for qualification from Group A is wide open although Palmeiras are probably the happiest of the four teams after performing so well against a strong European opponent.
The Brazilians soon settled into their stride and were the dominant team, winning the shot count 17 to 11 and harvesting a 55.3 per cent share of possession.
Palmeiras would expect to establish even more control against Al Ahly, who missed an opportunity when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Inter Miami.
The Egyptians looked toothless in their opening game and were not helped by the enforced substitution of striker Eman Ashour, who tops their domestic scoring charts with 13 league goals.
Ashour will play no further part in the tournament and his loss makes life easier for Palmeiras, who can register a fairly routine victory.
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