Urawa Red Diamonds and Monterrey are set to face off at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Wednesday evening in their last Group E match at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Monterrey are still in the running for a spot in the knockout stage, while Urawa's exit was sealed following a heartbreaking late loss to Inter Milan.
Monterrey have drawn both of their games – 1-1 against Inter and 0-0 with River Plate – and understand that they must secure a victory in this match to keep their hopes alive.
On the other hand, Urawa suffered a 3-1 defeat to River Plate in their first match before taking the lead against Inter, only to concede two late goals and lose 2-1.
Team news
Urawa Reds have a nearly fully-fit squad and are likely to field an unchanged lineup for the third consecutive game.
Ryoma Watanabe and Takuro Kaneko, who combined for Urawa's goal in the previous match, will be part of a dynamic five-man midfield with Yusuke Matsuo leading the attack.
Midfielder Kai Shibato remains sidelined due to injury for Maciej Skorza's team.
As for Monterrey, Carlos Salcedo is out long-term and Jorge Rodriguez is suspended.
German Berterame is expected to spearhead the attack for Monterrey, while Esteban Andrada will be in goal, despite the recent addition of Santiago Mele.
The stats
Urawa Reds have attempted 38 shots in their last five matches.
Monterrey have managed just three shots on target, the joint-lowest in the tournament after two group stage games.
Both of Monterrey's matches at the Club World Cup have seen less than 2.5 goals scored.
Urawa have scored first in both games but failed to secure a result.
Monterrey have kept one clean sheet and conceded only one goal in 180 minutes of play.
Prediction
Monterrey are under pressure to claim three points at the Rose Bowl, whereas Urawa Reds have only pride and prize money to play for.
Monterrey have approached their previous group stage matches cautiously, but they will need to be more attacking in this crucial game.
This might expose them to counterattacks, and Urawa Reds have enough speed on the break to trouble a defense led by veteran Sergio Ramos.
Even if the Japanese side fails to score in this final group stage match, their solid defense against Inter suggests they can keep Monterrey's attack at bay.