Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
In the early hours of Friday, June 20, we’re in for a clash in the second round of the FIFA Club World Cup as the Seattle Sounders take on Atlético Madrid. The match kicks off at 00:00 Central European Time, and I’ve got a betting tip lined up for this encounter.
Seattle Sounders vs Atlético Madrid: Match preview
Seattle began their Club World Cup journey with a clash against Botafogo. The Brazilians were considered the favorites and proved it on the pitch. Seattle conceded twice in the first half and could only answer with a single goal. That opening defeat was a blow to the Sounders’ ambitions to make the playoffs, especially with tough games against Atlético Madrid and PSG still to come. Picking up points in these fixtures will be extremely difficult—perhaps even impossible. It’s worth noting that, ahead of the tournament, Seattle had lost two matches, so their losing streak now stands at three in a row. In each of those games, the team conceded at least twice.
Atlético Madrid also kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a defeat. Los Colchoneros faced the reigning UEFA Champions League winners and couldn’t stop Enrique’s side. PSG thrashed the Spaniards 4-0. That means Atlético now have no choice but to win their next two matches if they want to reach the playoffs. The clash with the Seattle Sounders is a golden opportunity to get back on track. For the record, Atlético picked up two wins before the tournament, unlike their MLS counterparts.
Key match facts and head-to-head
- Seattle Sounders are winless in three straight matches and have conceded at least twice in each of them.
- In four of Atlético Madrid’s last five games, there have been four or more goals scored.
- Seattle Sounders and Atlético Madrid have never faced each other before.
Probable lineups
- Seattle Sounders: Frei — Tolo, Bell, Kim Kee-hee, Roldan — Roldan, Vargas, Rusnák, Kent, Rothrock — Ferreira
- Atlético: Musso — Azpilicueta, Lenglet, Giménez, Molina — Lino, Koke, De Paul, Llorente — Griezmann, Álvarez
Prediction
Atlético Madrid lost their opener 0-4 and will be hungry to bounce back and notch their first win. I’m backing Los Colchoneros to score over 2 goals individually, at odds of 1.72.
