Borussia Dortmund are the clear favorites to defeat Fluminense and advance to the top of Group F at the Club World Cup, and they have traveled to the United States in excellent form.
Rejuvenated under Niko Kovac, BVB finished the season with a six-game winning streak.
On the other hand, Fluminense, often underestimated, have also been in good form as they prepare for the crucial match in New Jersey.
Team updates
Veteran former Chelsea central defender Thiago Silva will lead the Fluminense team from the back alongside Juan Pablo Freytes.
New Venezuelan forward Yeferson Soteldo will miss the match due to a recent thigh injury.
Dortmund captain Emre Can and defender Nico Schlotterbeck are sidelined, while midfielder Salih Ozcan has not been included in the squad.
New recruit Jude Bellingham has traveled with Dortmund's 28-man group but is expected to start from the bench in New Jersey.
Key statistics
Four-time Brazilian champions Fluminense secured their spot as winners of the Copa Libertadores in November 2023.
A month later, they reached the final of the Club World Cup, where they were defeated by Manchester City.
Under the guidance of head coach Renato Gaucho, Fluminense have shown improvement, winning 12 and losing only three of their last 18 matches.
Dortmund, who were in 11th place in the Bundesliga when Niko Kovac took over in late January, eventually finished in fourth position.
They ended the season strongly with a six-game winning streak, scoring a minimum of three goals in each of those matches.
Their last 10 games have seen over two goals in each match, with nine of them having over three goals.
Forecast
Two revitalized teams since changing their coaches could produce an entertaining match at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Borussia Dortmund, in excellent form since Kovac's arrival in January, are the clear favorites to defeat the Brazilian team and progress in the group.
However, Fluminense have also been motivated by their coach Renato Gaucho, who has led them to a resurgence after a tough 2024 season.
Dortmund plays with confidence and attacking intent, led by the impressive Serhou Guirassy, one of the standout strikers in Europe.
Fluminense, with their improved form under Renato Gaucho, have the experience to withstand Dortmund's attacks.
While Fluminense's attackers like Jhon Arias and Kevin Serna may not have many opportunities on goal, Dortmund's vulnerability to counterattacks could be a factor.
It might not be as straightforward as the odds suggest, and the Double Chance for Fluminense or a Draw seems appealing.