Preview: Al Ahly vs. Bayern Munich - prediction, team news, lineups

Bayern Munich square off against Al Ahly in the Club World Cup on Monday evening in what is just their second-ever appearance in the competition.

While the Champions League winners earned a bye through to the semi-finals, Al Ahly reached the last four with victory over Al-Duhail.

Match preview

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In a season where games are being played at an unforgiving pace, Hansi Flick may feel that his Bayern squad could have done without the trip to Qatar.

Nevertheless, the Bundesliga leaders are motivated to win their sixth piece of silverware since Flick was appointed as Nico Kovac 's replacement in November 2019.

Bayern warmed up for this contest with a 1-0 victory at Hertha Berlin on Friday, the decisive goal coming from Kingsley Coman after Robert Lewandowski had missed a penalty.

Ahead of Saturday's fixtures, Bayern hold a 10-point lead at the top of the standings, giving Flick freedom to use his best players in this competition.

The German side are looking to replicate their success in 2013 when they beat Guangzhou Evergrande and Raja Casablanca without conceding a goal.

Like their next opponents, Al Ahly have not featured in this tournament for over seven years, and they will be ready to perform with little pressure on their shoulders.

As well as putting together a 32-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, the Egyptian side have also posted their best-ever showing in the tournament.

Pitso Mosimane would have expected his side to have made light work of Al-Duhail, but they had to rely on a first-half goal from Hussein El Shahat.

The Red Devils have also kept nine clean sheets in 11 games, a record which ensures that Bayern cannot afford to be complacent against well-drilled opposition.

Al Ahly Club World Cup form: W

Al Ahly form (all competitions): WWDWDW

Bayern Munich form (all competitions): DWWWWW

Team News

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With one eye on the final, Flick may take the opportunity to rest a number of his key men for this contest.

Jerome Boateng, Alphonso Davies, Corentin Tolisso, Douglas Costa and Jamal Musiala could all be brought into the starting lineup.

Barring any fitness issues, Mosimane could name the same Al Ahly XI which started the game on Thursday night.

Marwan Mohsen is an option in attack if Mosimane opts to replace Walter Bwalya, while Akram Tawfik may be involved if Al Ahly go with an extra defensive-minded player in midfield.

Al Ahly possible starting lineup:

El Shenawy; Hany, Banoun, Ashraf, Maaloul; Fathi, Al Sulaya; El Shahat, Magdi Katsha, Mohamed; Bwalya

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:

Neuer; Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies; Kimmich, Tolisso; Costa, Muller, Coman; Lewandowski

We say: Al Ahly 0-3 Bayern Munich

When taking Bayern's lack of preparation into account, Al Ahly will feel that they have the tools to trouble the German giants. Nevertheless, Flick's side should have far too much quality in the final third, giving them every chance of recording a routine win.

Top betting tip

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