River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds predictions: River can get into their flow
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- River Plate are unbeaten in their last 17 matches
- Urawa Red Diamonds have kept only one clean sheet in their last seven fixtures
- Recommended bet: River Plate -1 on handicap
River Plate are the most successful team in Argentinian football, winning their domestic championship on 38 occasions, and approach the Club World Cup with higher expectations than Urawa Red Diamonds, who are their opening opponents in Group E.
Challenging the top European teams is always tricky for South American sides, who struggle to hold onto their top talent.
And River are preparing to say farewell to their hugely talented 17-year-old attacker Franco Mastantuono, who has agreed terms on a summer switch to Real Madrid.
However, they were Copa Libertadores winners in 2015 and 2018 and have a much greater international pedigree than Urawa Red Diamonds, who have qualified thanks to their success in the 2022 AFC Champions League.
Team news
River Plate have included Mastantuono, who will feature for the final few times before his August switch to Real Madrid.
Mastantuono made his first senior appearance for Argentina earlier this month, becoming the youngest debutant in the nation's history.
River have a doubt over experienced defender Gonzalez Perez, who has been troubled by a muscle strain.
Urawa Red Diamonds have reported no fresh injuries and have included midfielder Kai Shibato, who has been sidelined with a knee injury.
The stats
River Plate have won five of their last seven matches.
River have scored in each of their last 10 fixtures.
Urawa Red Diamonds have won just two of their last seven matches.
Five of the last six matches involving Urawa Red Diamonds have featured goals for both teams.
Prediction
River Plate advanced to the round of 16 of the 2025 Copa Libertadores as sectional winners but their immediate focus is on the Club World Cup and they can make a strong start by sweeping aside Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field, Seattle.
It must be frustrating for River that they are compelled to sell some of their most promising talent.
But their squad remains strong and it is supplemented by defenders Marcos Acuna, German Pezzella and Gonzalo Montiel, who have a wealth of experience with the Argentinian national side, including helping their country win the 2022 World Cup.
River should be hard to break down and they will carry a threat with talented teenager Mastantuono capable of moments of magic and 29-year-old striker Sebastian Driussi in excellent form – scoring six goals in his last nine appearances.
While River could reach the knockout rounds and maybe threaten some of the big European teams, Urawa look set for a group stage exit.
The Red Devils are fourth in the J-League – seven points behind leaders Kashima Antlers – and may struggle to get any wins on the board.
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