Fluminense vs Al-Hilal should prove to be a close game between the two sides, given the recent exploits of both sides in the competition and their subsequent form heading into this game.
The Brazilian side are heading into this game with no losses in their previous 10 matches in all competitions, and their recent performance against Inter Milan could pose significant problems for Al-Hilal. Fluminense's defence will be difficult for Al-Hilal to break down, considering the side has kept four clean sheets in their previous five matches in all competitions and three of their four games in the FIFA Club World Cup.
On the opposing side, Simone Inzaghi's tactical style of play and managerial acumen have already been evident in the team from Saudi Arabia. Inzaghi joined from Inter Milan at the end of the season, and so far, the former UEFA Champions League finalist has won two and drawn two of his four games in charge of Al-Hilal. Prior to this run of form under Inzaghi, Al-Hilal were also unbeaten in their previous five matches, with a sequence of nine without a defeat heading into this game.
This game could be split by an individual piece of brilliance between the two teams, and the player we think will certainly make an impact is former Benfica striker Marcos Leonardo. The 22-year-old Brazilian striker is Al-Hilal's top scorer in this competition with three goals in four appearances and averaging one shot on target per game.
To say who will win this game is extremely tough, but we are leaning towards a win for Al-Hilal here, based on Inzaghi's impact on a side that is stacked with notable quality in the likes of Ruben Neves and Marcos Leonardo.
Fluminense 0-1 Al-Hilal
