Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the second-round matches of the Club World Cup will take place on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, where Juventus from Turin will face Wydad. I suggest a bet on goals in this encounter, as the odds look quite appealing.
Match preview
Juventus made a statement in their Club World Cup opener, ruthlessly dispatching Al Ain 5-0. Despite an xG tally of just 1.4, the Bianconeri were clinical in front of goal. Francisco Conceição and Randal Kolo Muani stole the show with braces, propelling Juventus to the top of Group G with authority.
It’s worth noting, however, that Juventus typically play with restraint: in their recent Champions League and CWC outings, games rarely saw more than three goals, and low-scoring affairs are common. This points to a tactical emphasis on defensive solidity and careful energy management throughout the match.
Wydad put up a respectable fight against Manchester City, losing 0-2, but the North Africans managed 12 shots—though only two were on target. Their lack of cutting edge on the international stage has now left them winless in four consecutive Club World Cup matches.
The Moroccans have showcased strong defensive discipline, often conceding no more than two goals per game in both the CAF Champions League and CWC. However, their attacking output remains a concern. In the last 13 matches, Wydad have managed just four outright wins in regular time—a clear sign of their limitations going forward.
Probable lineups
- Juventus: Michele Di Gregorio – Lloyd Kelly, Pierre Kalulu, Nicolo Savona – Andrea Cambiaso, Alberto Costa, Khéphren Thuram, Weston McKennie – Kenan Yildiz, Randal Kolo Muani, Francisco Conceição.
- Wydad: El-Mehdi Benabid – Guillermo Ferreira, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Bart Meijers, Mohamed Moufid, Fahd Moufi – Mehdi El-Mubarak, Nordin Amrabat, Thembinkosi Lorch, Oussama Zemraoui – Cassius Mailula.
Match facts and head-to-head
- In eight of Juventus’ last nine matches on the European and world stage, there have been no more than three goals scored.
- Wydad have failed to win in regular time in nine of their last 13 matches in the CWC and CAF Champions League.
- The teams have never met in official competition before.
Prediction
Expect a low-scoring affair with both sides focused on defensive organization. Juventus are likely to maintain their favorite status and control the tempo, while Wydad will look to minimize their defensive lapses. My pick: total under 3.0 goals at odds of 1.60.
