After securing a valuable point against European giants Inter, Liga MX side Monterrey go for a potentially commanding position in their Club World Cup group as they meet River Plate at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
With River and Inter still favored to escape Group E and qualify for the knockout stage, a second consecutive surprise result for Monterrey could leave them in a commanding position, even if they were to only manage a draw. Two points against the favored sides could leave them with their fate in their own hands on the final matchday against Urawa Red Diamonds.
River won their opener against the Japanese club, and are also in control of their own destiny in this match. If the Argentine giants manage to secure victory, it would leave them guaranteed with a spot in the knockout stage.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
MORE: Full rosters for all 32 teams at the 2025 Club World Cup
River Plate vs. Monterrey predicted lineups, team news
Real Madrid-bound teenager Franco Mastantuono has been a revelation for the Argentine club since becoming a regular on the first team earlier this year. He is set to join the La Liga giants after the Club World Cup, but was instrumental in River Plate's opening-round win over Urawa Red Diamonds.
They also sport Argentina national team regulars Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel at both full-back positions.
MLS fans will have recognized Tuesday's goal scorer Sebastian Driussi, who spent a number of years with Austin FC, but he will miss the rest of the competition after picking up an ankle injury. Miguel Borja, who replaced him early in the second half, will be the likely replacement.
River Plate predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Armani (GK) — Montiel, Pezzella, Quarta, Acuna — I. Fernandez, N. Perez, Castano — Mastantuono, Borja, Colidio.
Injured: Driussi (ankle), Ruberto (knee).
Suspended: None.
On a yellow card: Acuna, Pezzella, E. Perez, Galoppo.
Full River Plate squad
Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Santiago Beltran, Lucas Lavagnino, Jeremias Ledesma
Defenders: Marcos Acuna, Fabricio Bustos, Milton Casco, Paulo Diaz, Federico Gattoni, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Lautaro Rivero
Midfielders: Rodrigo Aliendro, Kevin Castano, Giorgio Costantini, Ignacio Fernandez, Giuliano Galoppo, Matias Kranevitter, Manuel Lanzini, Santiago Lencina, Gonzalo Martinez, Maximiliano Meza, Enzo Perez, Matias Rojas, Santiago Simon
Forwards: Miguel Borja, Facundo Colidio, Bautista Dadin, Sebastian Driussi, Franco Mastantuono, Gonzalo Tapia, Ian Subiabre
Even casual football fans will see a familiar face at the back for Monterrey, as former Real Madrid superstar Sergio Ramos starts along the back for the Liga MX side.
They also have Mexican international Gerardo Arteaga on the left flank, and former Real Betis playmaker Sergio Canales in midfield.
Monterrey are missing defender Carlos Salcedo, who signed this winter from fellow Mexican club Juarez, after the 31-year-old tore his ACL in the first match of the Clausura season shortly after arriving.
MORE: The entire 2025 Club World Cup match schedule & results
Monterrey predicted XI (3-4-3, right to left): Andrada (GK) — Medina, Ramos, Guzman — R. Chavez, Canales, J. Rodriguez, Torres, Arteaga – Berterame, Ocampos.
Injured: Salcedo (ACL).
Suspended: None.
On a yellow card: J. Rodriguez.
Full Monterrey squad
Goalkeepers: Esteban Andrada, Luis Cardenas, Santiago Mele, Santiago Perez.
Defenders: Erick Aguirre, Gerardo Arteaga, Ricardo Chavez, Victor Guzman, Tony Leone, Stefan Medina, Hector Moreno, Sergio Ramos, Luis Reyes, Carlos Salcedo, Gustavo Sanchez.
Midfielders: Fidel Ambriz, Sergio Canales, Jesus Corona, Jordi Cortizo, Nelson Deossa, Iker Fimbres, Lucas Ocampos, Jorge Rodriguez, Oliver Torres.
Forwards: Alfonso Alvarado, German Berterame, Roberto de la Rosa, Alfonso Gonzalez, Joaquin Moxica, Johan Rojas.
River Plate vs. Monterrey score prediction
River Plate will have a difficult time with Monterrey, who played to an impressive draw with Champions League finalists Inter. In fairness, Monterrey were under significant pressure for much of the match, but Sergio Ramos put them ahead, ultimately cancelled out by Lautaro Martinez.
The Liga MX side will be up for this match, and with River now missing their starting striker, it could be a low-scoring car crash unless the young 17-year-old Mastantuono takes over the match.
Prediction: River Plate 1-1 Monterrey
How to watch River Plate vs. Monterrey: Live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Club World Cup group stage match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| Date | Time | TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Sat, Jun. 21 | 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT | TBS, truTV | DAZN, Sling |
| Canada | Sat, Jun. 21 | 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT | — | DAZN Canada |
| UK | Sun, Jun. 22 | 2 a.m. BST | Channel 5 | DAZN |
| Australia | Sun, Jun. 22 | 1 p.m. AEST | — | DAZN, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now |
| India | Sun, Jun. 22 | 6:30 a.m. IST | — | DAZN, tabii |