River Plate vs Monterrey Predictions

• Fewer than three goals have been scored in two of River Plate’s last three matches
• Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Monterrey’s last seven contests
• Defeat for either team could mean elimination from the tournament

Driussi blow leaves River up the creek

River Plate and Monterrey meet at the Rose Bowl this weekend in a match that will feel more like a knockout than a Group E game in the Club World Cup. Rayados’ surprise 1-1 draw with Inter Milan has made this into a much bigger clash and Domenec Torrent’s men are likely to have huge backing in the stands from the Mexican fanbase in Southern California.

River did enough to beat Urawa Reds 3-1 in their opener and another win will send Marcelo Gallardo’s team directly into the round of 16 with a game to spare. However, star striker Sebastian Driussi has now been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with an ankle injury.

His absence adds another layer of pressure to the clash where a loss, or even a draw, could leave them needing to upset Inter in the final group game. A draw on Saturday would still give River a chance to reach the last-16 with a draw against the Italians, but goal difference could leave them out of the picture in any scenario in which the three teams finish on five points.

Cagey clash could lack goals

With that in mind, and taking into account the forecast hot conditions in Pasadena at kick-off, the match is likely to be quite cagey and played at a low tempo for the most part. The loss of Driussi hurts River’s potency and could mean this clash fails to deliver as many goals as their opener against the J-League side.

Monterrey showed plenty of grit and organisation against an admittedly below-par Inter to suggest they can keep the goals out. Goalkeeper Estaban Andrada is in the shop window and playing with a point to prove after the club signed his replacement.

Back under 2.5 goals as the main play for this contest. Two of River’s last three matches have finished 1-1 after 90 minutes while four of Monterrey’s last seven games have featured fewer than three goals too.