Lumen Field plays host to a crucial Group E encounter at the Club World Cup on Thursday morning, as Inter Milan and River Plate fight for the right to qualify for the knockout round.
River Plate currently top the section with four points, while Inter are sitting in second spot on the same tally.
Marcelo Gallardo’s men took early control of Group E by hitting the ground running thanks to a 3-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds on matchday one.
However, Los Millonarios were unable to build on that victory when playing out a drab 0-0 draw with Monterrey on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Monterrey in their Club World Cup opener last week.
Cristian Chivu’s side have since staged a dramatic late comeback to claim a 2-1 win over Group E basement boys Urawa Red Diamonds, and another success here would see the Italian giants take top honours in Group E.
Special betting offer for Club World Cup: Up to £50 in matched free bets at talkSPORT Bet
18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet up to £50 (min. £20) on any FIFA Club World Cup market (odds 1/1+) by 20:00 on 13/07/2025. Get up to £50 in free bets on selected markets, which expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org. Please gamble responsibly
How the bookies view it: Italian job incoming
Inter Milan come into this crunch clash as odds-on 4/5 favourites with Boylesports, however those odds hold little appeal given how the Nerazzurri have performed across their opening two group games.
The value could lie with River Plate, who are as big as 3/1 on Boylesports to triumph, while the draw – which may not suit either team – is trading at 23/10 with the same firm.
Head to head: History book blank
These two sides have never crossed paths before, with Inter Milan gracing the Club World Cup this summer for the first time since lifting the trophy back on their maiden appearance in 2010.
Players to watch: Martinez to make his mark?
Having made the net bulge in each of Inter Milan’s opening two group games, Lautaro Martinez looks overpriced to register either a goal or an assist on Thursday morning at 5/6 on Bet 365.
After committing two fouls and collecting a yellow card in his only appearance at the Club World Cup to date, River Plate's German Pezzella stands out to commit a minimum of one foul here at 5/6 on Bet 365.
Predicted line-ups
Davide Frattesi, Denzel Dumfries, and Marcus Thuram are all in contention to return to the Inter Milan squad on matchday three, however none of the trio are expected to come straight back into the starting XI.
River Plate’s prospects of reaching the knockout round have not been helped by the fact that Enzo Perez, Giuliano Galoppo and Kevin Castano are all missing through suspension.
Inter Milan: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmiani, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Agusto; Esposito, Martinez
River Plate: Armani; Montiel, Martinez, Pezzella, Acuna; Lanzini, Kranevitter, Fernandez; Mastantuono, Borja, Colidio
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the dynamics heading into the final set of fixtures in Group E, this contest is likely to be quite cagey.
With that in mind, the even-money (1/1) on Boylesports for this clash to feature under 2.5 goals looks well worthy of support.
This bet would have paid out in two of the pair’s combined four group games so far, and there is plenty of scope for a repeat when the duo do battle at Lumen Field.
GambleAware