Verdict: Flamengo win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Looking to officially punch their Club World Cup knockout stage ticket in the early hours of Wednesday, Flamengo will travel to California when they meet Los Angeles.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, while Los Angeles might have punched a late Club World Cup ticket on June 1st as they edged past Mexican outfit Club America, Steve Cherundolo’s men have endured a real Group D struggle. Getting proceedings underway with a 2-0 loss at the hands of English giants Chelsea, the California-based outfit put in another toothless performance over the weekend. Missing out on what was a golden opportunity as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at home against Esperance Tunis, LAFC have already watched their knockout stage dreams go up in smoke. Sat rock-bottom of the Group D standings, Los Angeles should be set for another stern examination in the early hours of Wednesday. It should also be highlighted, Cherundolo’s side have mustered just a single win from any of their last six appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
Los Angeles FC Team News
Missing out against Esperance Tunis over the weekend and still dealing with a recent muscle issue, Los Angeles will once again be without former Leicester loanee Cengiz Under. However, one-time Barcelona youngster Marlon could be handed a full recall at the back.
While French record-breaking Olivier Giroud might have struggled to find any real fluidity since arriving in California last summer, the ex-Chelsea marksman will lead the line on Wednesday. Likewise, former Tottenham shot-stopper Hugo Lloris will start between the sticks in midweek.
Flamengo
As for the visitors, enjoying what has become a sensational run of form, Flamengo certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Last seen putting in a famous display as they clinched a 3-1 victory against Chelsea, Filipe Luis’ camp have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the globe. Getting their Club World Cup campaign underway with a 2-0 win against Esperance Tunis on June 17th, the South American giants will be looking to officially punch their knockout stage ticket with a statement of intent. In fact, getting June underway with a dominant 5-0 romp against Fortaleza, Flamengo have won all of their previous six consecutive appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 17-3. Finding a real clinical edge in the final third, Luis’ camp will be smelling another golden opportunity in midweek.
Flamengo Team News
Not featuring over the past six weeks and still dealing with a recent knee issue, Flamengo will once again be without Nicolas de la Cruz on Wednesday. However, aside from the former River Plate midfielder, Luis’ camp have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns.
Finding the net against Chelsea last week and opening his Club World Cup account, veteran marksman Bruno Henrique could be handed a full recall. Completing a permanent switch from Arsenal this summer, Italian international, Jorginho will start in the middle of the park.
Los Angeles FC vs Flamengo Key Factors to Consider
- Wednesday’s showdown in California will be the first meeting between Los Angeles and Flamengo.
- Flamengo have won their previous six consecutive appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 17-3.
- LAFC have lost their two Group D appearances this summer by an aggregate score of 3-0.
- Likewise, Wednesday’s hosts have registered just a sole win from any of their previous six appearances across all formats within 90 minutes.
- Flamengo have registered at least a pair of goals in five of their last six outings.
Conclusion
Springing what was a heavyweight upset last week as they stormed their way to a 3-1 victory against Premier League giants Chelsea, Flamengo will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. Sat at the top of the Group D standings, Wednesday’s guests will be confident of booking their knockout stage ticket with another statement of intent. Winning all of their previous six appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 17-3, Flamengo should be excited by a trip to California in midweek.
Verdict: Flamengo win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
