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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
KASHIWA REYSOL  Sugeno Kondo, Masushima, Hashimoto, Sakai Otani, Leandro, Wagner, Barada Tanaka Kudo | AUCKLAND CITY  Spoonley Pritchett, Hogg, Vicelich, BerlangaCorrales, Mulligan, Andreu, Feneridis Koprivcic Exposito |
Reysol are still on an emotional high after winning the J-League championship this past Saturday, and manager Nelsinho has his team focused on their amateur opponents despite the tantalizing prospect of a semi-final match with Santos. The Chiba Prefecture-based side will bring an explosive attacking game to Toyota Stadium, and Auckland will have to figure out how to manage J-League MVP Leandro Domingues and fellow Best XI member Jorge Wagner.
Meanwhile, Ramon Tribulietx's side have been in Japan for the past 10 days and believe they have acclimatised to the conditions. The 2-1 warm-up win over Ryutsu Keizai University pleased Tribulietx who has no major injury concerns, although there are lingering niggles for striker Manel Exposito (hip) and midfielder Chad Coombes (cruciate ligament). Adam McGeorge impressed against Ryutsu along with Spanish midfielder Andreu and both seem to won their starting places for the game against Kashiwa.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- This will be Reysol's first sanctioned match against an international side.
- Reysol are the third club to represent J-League in the Club World Cup, following Gamba Osaka in 2008 and Urawa Reds in 2007.
- Auckland City have competed in the Club World Cup twice previously; in 2006 and 2009.
- In 2006 the New Zealanders were beaten twice and bowed out without scoring a goal, however in 2009 they stunned UAE champions Al Wahda and African champions TP Mazembe to finish fifth.
- City are an amateur side meaning most of their squad have full-time occupations and they fit training around their work commitments.
- Auckland, who are coached by Catalonia-born Ramon Tribulietx, have four Spaniards in their squad, including striker Manel Exposito who came through the ranks at Barcelona where he made his competitive debut in the same game as Lionel Messi in a pre-season clash with FC Porto in 2003.
Prediction
Auckland City may be making their third appearance in the competition, but on paper the amateur side is clearly outmatched by the Japanese champions. Reysol should dominate possession but they are also vulnerable to the counter. Manager Nelsinho will have a challenge keeping his players in line in their first international competition, but in the end Reysol should have no trouble advancing to the quarterfinals.
Editor's Prediction
Kashiwa 3-0 Auckland City 
