Urawa Reds vs Monterrey predictions: Urawa Reds can end Monterrey's hopes
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- Monterrey registered only three shots on target across their opening two matches
- Urawa Reds have taken the lead in both games and pushed Inter Milan last time out
- Recommended Bet: Back Double Chance - Urawa Red Diamonds or Draw
Urawa Red Diamonds and Monterrey clash at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Wednesday night for their final Group E fixture at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Monterrey are still in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, while Urawa's elimination was confirmed after a heartbreaking late defeat to Inter Milan.
Monterrey have drawn both of their matches – 1-1 against Inter and 0-0 with River Plate – and know they have to win this one to have any chance of progression.
Urawa, meanwhile, fell 3-1 to River Plate in their opener before taking the lead against Inter, only to concede twice late on and lose 2-1.
Team news
Urawa Reds have an almost fully fit squad and are expected to name the same team for the third game in a row.
Ryoma Watanabe and Takuro Kaneko, who combined for Urawa's goal last time out, will form part of an athletic five-man midfield with Yusuke Matsuo alone up front.
Only midfielder Kai Shibato, who has still not recovered from injury, is unavailable for Maciej Skorza's men.
As for Monterrey, centre-back Carlos Salcedo is a long-term absentee and right-back Jorge Rodriguez is suspended.
German Berterame is expected to lead the line for a side boasting bags of experience while Esteban Andrada starts in goal, despite Rayados' recent addition of Uruguayan international keeper Santiago Mele.
The stats
Urawa Reds have attempted a total of 38 shots in their past five games.
Monterrey's tally of three shots on target was the joint-worst of all the teams in the tournaments through two group matches.
Both Monterrey matches at the Club World Cup have finished with fewer than 2.5 goals.
Urawa have scored first in both matches but failed to hold on for a result.
Monterrey have kept one clean sheet and allowed just one goal in 180 minutes.
Prediction
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The pressure is on Monterrey to pick up three points at the Rose Bowl while Urawa Reds are only playing for pride and prize money.
The Mexicans have taken a cautious approach to both previous group matches but Domenec Torrent's side have to come out and attack in this one.
It may leave them open to being hit on the counter and their Japanese opponents have enough pace on the break to cause a defence led by veteran star Sergio Ramos plenty of problems.
Even if the Japanese side fail to score in this group stage finale, they showed enough defensive solidity against Inter to suggest they can keep their shot-shy opponents at bay.
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