R. Casablanca – A. Mineiro

Raja Casablanca and Atletico Mineiro will square off in Morocco (Marrakech Stadium) for a place in the final of FIFA Club World Championship.

Raja Casablanca has struggled in the domestic league this season, as the 9th place they are currently on is way below their standards and expectations, but they have 2 games in hand and could potentially move up to the 3rd place. It`s also early in the season. The African champions have found their form in this Club World Championship, with wins over Adelaide United (2-1) and Monterrey (2-1 AET), the latter being particularly impressive, even though it was a little lucky. Surely much of Raja`s success has to do with the fact that the competition is held in Morocco, so they are at home, getting electric fan support and putting their hearts out on the pitch.

Atletico Mineiro`s dramatic Copa Libertadores triumph last year has provided them with a place in the Club World Championship, and the brazilians are surely expecting to reach the final against Bayern Munchen. They were qualified straight to the semis, so this is their first game. Atletico struggled this season in the rugged Brazilian Serie A, finishing only on the 8th place, but with the likes of Ronaldinho, Jo or Gilberto Silva in the starting lineup they will always be a dangerous side to take on.

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The two teams could start with the following lineups:

RAJA CASABLANCA (4-2-3-1)  Askri – El Hachimi, Oulhaj, Belmaalam, Karrouchy – Guehi, Erraki – Moutouali, Chitibi, Hafidi – Iajour.  Manager: Benzarti

ATLETICO MINEIRO (4-2-1-3) Victor – Marcos Rocha, Leonardo Silva, Rever, Junior Cesar – Pierre, Josuè – Ronaldinho – Diego Tardelli, Jô, Luan.

Atletico Mineiro to win would be the obvious pick here, as the visitors are clearly the better team with some world class players like Ronaldinho (or at least ex – world class) in their roster. However, a closer look at this game might suggest that the encounter has every premise for an upset, and Atletico Mineiro are not really good value for a bet.

Raja Casablanca couldn`t ask for a better chance to break the South American – European monopoly of the FIFA Club World Championship. They are in excellent form, they play at home, and they meet a team that did not have a great season and plays its first game in the competition. Surely it won`t be easy for Atletico Mineiro in their first match in Africa, the scariest continent for away teams to play in – home court advantage is huge in Africa. I expect Raja Casablanca to again fight until their last breath in a historic home match for them and I doubt Atletico will have an easy game here. The Brazilians are also not used to winning big and are also prone to draws (4th most draws in Brazil this season, won Copa Libertadores after penalties in semifinal and final). I`l pick Raja Casablanca double chance to win or draw, but I`ll also take an insurance in case of a 1 goal win for Atletico Mineiro. So my tip is Raja Casablanca +1 Asian Handicap. Raja Casablanca – Atletico Mineiro 1-1.

Pick: Raja Casablanca (+1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 2.42 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 11.36
Event date: 18 December

Editor Facts

• Rostick is 13 for 22 in tips in December