Fluminense vs Al Hilal Bet Builder Tips, Best Bets, Stats, Predictions

After pulling off a massive 2-0 victory against Inter Milan in the round of 16, Fluminense are still yet to lose at the Club World Cup, and will face Al Hilal in the quarter-finals. Jhon Arias has been a standout performer for the Tricolour so far, and has played every single possible minute for his side. He has racked up 13 shots in that time, the highest in the Fluminense squad, at an average of 3.25 shots per 90.

Last time out, Arias featured alongside German Cano up front, where he registered four shots in total with two on target. The Colombian has landed this bet in three out of four matches so far in the competition, looking in fine form. If he is to operate more centrally again, this price really stands out, especially considering Arias is responsible for free-kicks and penalties.

Al Hilal have silenced many of their critics, having already pulled off some notable results at the Club World Cup. They were excellent against Real Madrid in gameweek one, holding Los Blancos to a 1-1 draw, before eliminating Man City in the round of 16 after the game went to extra-time. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who scored 17 goals in all competitions for Al Hilal last season, is another player who has played every available minute for his club – highlighting his importance.

In the Saudi Pro League last season, the Serbian international averaged 2.64 shots per 90 from an advanced midfield role. Standing at 6’3, Milinkovic-Savic is a massive aerial threat, with 33% of his attempts coming from headers. He also tends to try his luck from distance, with 38% of his efforts coming from outside the box which is important given how Fluminense tend to limit high-quality chances.

Fluminense drew 15 fouls against Inter Milan in the previous round, and are averaging 12.75 fouls drawn per game in the Club World Cup so far. Jhon Arias has been a prime contributor to that tally, with 12 infringements drawn from his four games so far, averaging 3.0 fouls drawn per 90. His partner up front, German Cano, also ranks high with 2.44 fouls drawn per 90 in the competition.

Al Hilal midfielders are likely to have a real battle in trying to contain those two, and it’s Nasser Al Dawsari who will likely draw the matchup. The Saudi Arabian international is averaging 1.75 fouls per 90, landing this bet in two out of four games in the tournament. He has accumulated the most infringements of any Al Hilal player, and looks in prime position to maintain that record in a tricky matchup.

After only watching his side from the bench in the first two fixtures, Ignacio was given his first start in the competition against Mamelodi Sundowns in a 0-0 draw, allowing Thiago Silva a game to rest. The 28-year-old performed well, keeping a clean sheet along with two tackles, and so was rewarded with a start against Inter Milan in the proceeding round – this time in a back three system.

Given how well that game went, there is a strong chance the Tricolour stick with a similar formation, which would see Ignacio lineup on the right side of a back three. He was heavily involved on the defensive front against the Nerazzurri, racking up 15 duels in total and six tackles. Ignacio has committed a foul in both starts at the Club World Cup, and registered three infringements against Inter Milan last time out.