Liverpool v Flamengo: Club World Cup final prediction, odds and free tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Liverpool v Flamengo in the Club World Cup.

Where to watch

BBC1, 5.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Liverpool-Liverpool double result
1pt 7-5 bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes
Back this tip with Coral

Match preview

Liverpool produced another late show to see off Monterrey on Wednesday and set up an intriguing Club World Cup final.

Roberto Firmino's stoppage-time winner was the fourth time this season that the Reds had scored a winning goal later than the 85th minute and the seventh time that they have won 2-1. But they will be faced with a stern test against Brazilian team Flamengo in the final.

Flamengo beat Liverpool 3-0 in the final when they won this competition in 1981 - when it was known as the Intercontinental Cup - and they will take heart from the way that Monterrey caused Jurgen Klopp's side a number of problems in the semi-final.

Liverpool have never won this competition, losing to Sao Paulo in their last global campaign in 2005, but their chances of lifting the trophy in Doha have been significantly boosted by the fact that Virgil van Dijk is back in training having missed the semi-final due to illness.

The difference the Dutchman has made to Liverpool's defence is remarkable and they looked shaky without him as Monterrey had 16 attempts on goal in the match.

Flamengo overcame an edgy first half against Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal by scoring three goals in the second period to win 3-1.
They secured their place in the competition in the most dramatic fashion by scoring twice in the closing stages against River Plate with both goals scored by Gabriel Barbosa.

The Brazilian side are often slow starters in matches, which is the opposition of Liverpool's record.

February was the last time the Reds lost a game in which they scored first and they have netted the first goal in 13 of their 17 Premier League matches this season.

Jurgen Klopp's side can start strongly and complete a memorable 2019 with another trophy.

Key stat

The winners of the Champions League have won the last six Club World Cup finals. Corinthians were the last South American side to lift the trophy in 2012.

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