Liverpool’s quest to win its maiden FIFA Club World Cup begins on Wednesday when the kings of Europe will face 2019 CONCACAF Champions League winners Monterrey in Doha, Qatar.
The winner of the semifinal will advance to face Flamengo in the 2019 Club World Cup decider on Saturday after the team defeated Al-Hilal 3-1 Tuesday evening.
[protected-iframe id=”57ad77f1e0e6e1d677ecdf3361b31553-58289342-150719707″ info=”https://fubo-preview.global.ssl.fastly.net/lp/preview/index-lite.html?params=irad%3D541831%26irmp%3D1205322%26pack%3Dfubotv-basic&page_slug=FS2″ style=”max-width: 640px;” width = “100%”]
Monterrey vs. Liverpool
When: Wednesday, December 28
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS2
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Liverpool lost 1-0 to Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo when the team made its only previous appearance in a Club World Cup final in 2005, but much has changed for the Merseysiders more than a decade later.
The Reds have never faced Monterrey, and both teams will hope to use that element of surprise as they look to be crowned as the first non-Spanish FIFA Club World Cup winners since Bayern Munich in 2013.
Qatar has come under scrutiny as hosts of the tournament for the first time, largely due to the fact that a missed test at an alternative venue means each of the last five matches will be played at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
North American representatives Monterrey are not to be overlooked since manager Antonio Mohamed drastically turned the team’s form around following his reappointment in October.
Los Rayados lost five of their eight games before Mohamed returned for his second stint with the club, but Monterrey is unbeaten in 14 matches since then and will face Club America in the Liga MX final later this month.
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Janssen is out of action for Monterrey due to injury, while a ruptured Achilles will prevent winger Aviles Hurtado from participating. Liverpool may be at risk of falling complacent facing opposition slightly below its usual pedigree, but the strength of the squad in Doha is evidence that the Merseysiders mean business.
Georginio Wijnaldum is unfit for the semis, while star centre-back Virgil van Dijk is fine ahead of Wednesday’s clash. The manager may decide to rest some star names like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino from his XI in their first outing, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin, Divock Origi and midfielder Naby Keita are each vying for starts.
We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.