World Club Championship preview and odds: Barcelona vs Guangzhou Evergrande

Published on: 16/12/2015

World Club Championship preview and odds: Barcelona vs Guangzhou Evergrande

December 17, 2015 10:30am (GMT) - International Stadium Yokohama

World Club Championship

Barcelonas hunt for their fifth trophy of the year will began on Thursday when they face Guangzhou Evergrande in the semi-final of the World Club Championships in Japan.

Barca looking to complete five-trophy haul

Barca won all six trophies that they contested back in 2009 and many believed that they would never come close to repeating that feat. However, the team now has a chance to finish just one pot short of that haul by claiming the World Club championship title in Japan.

With La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League and the Uefa Super Cup already in the bag in 2015, only the Spanish Super Cup would be missing from this years checklist. But before their name can be engraved on the trophy, Barca will have to overcome 2015 AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou Evergrande.

The Blaugrana come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish First Division - a result that marked their third straight stalemate in all competitions.

Chinese champions with Brazilian flair

Guangzhou Evergrande are a team that has developed the winning habit under the guidance of former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari. Since the end of May, the club has remained undefeated in 29 matches in all competitions including a single friendly match against Bayern Munich.

As well as having a strong Brazilian presence amongst the back room staff, the club also has former Premier League stars Robinho and Paulinho on their books.

The winners of this clash will go to play ever Japanese champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima or Copa Libertadores champions River Plate of Argentina in Sundays final in Yokohama.

Team news

. Barcelona could be without the services of their own Brazilian star Neymar as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.

Recent form (All competitions)

Barcelona: DDDWW

Guangzhou Evergrande: WWDWD

Betting odds and tips

Barcelona will be clear favourites to win this game so there is little value in the match winner market unless you fancy a speculative punt on the underdogs at 28/1 with Betvictor.

Better value can be found in the first goal scorer market where Lionel Messi can be backed at 11/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 16/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/12/2015 17:33:20) but are subject to change.