Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal Prediction: Jude Bellingham Tipped at 6/1

Real Madrid begin their quest for a sixth Club World Cup success when they open their Group H campaign against Al-Hilal on Wednesday.

Both teams are under new management with Xabi Alonso replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid, and former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi taking over at the Saudi club.

The match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, kicks off at 8pm BST, and will be shown live on Channel 5 and DAZN.

Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal Tips

Real Madrid are the most successful team in the history of the Club World Cup but future triumphs are going to be harder to come by now the tournament has expanded from seven to 32 teams with multiple clubs from the major confederations involved.

The Spanish side's only successes this season have come outside their domestic competitions, in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup. After finishing second in La Liga, runners-up in the Copa Del Rey and going out to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, Real will be hungry to lift the trophy.

The arrival of new coach Alonso should boost the side's energy and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be keen to show what he can do on his debut after leaving Liverpool.

This match is a repeat of the 2022 final, which Madrid won 5-3 in Morocco. Al-Hilal were always playing catch-up in that match but they gave a good account of themselves and are arguably a stronger side now.

Their best chance of qualifying will come from winning their later group games against Red Bull Salzburg and Pachuca, but they are at least capable of getting on the scoresheet.

Real kept clean sheets in their final two outings of the season but they had conceded in their previous four matches and Alexander-Arnold adds more to their attacking potential than their defensive strength.

Kylian Mbappe ended the domestic season in red-hot form for Real Madrid, scoring 12 goals in his last eight appearances. 

The French striker should be hopeful of extending that run against Al-Hilal, but Jude Bellingham is an attractive price at 6/1 to net the first goal of the match.

The English midfielder did most of his scoring in the first half of the season but was on target in his final La Liga appearance against Sevilla and should relish the opportunity to make a major contribution in this tournament.

Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal Team News

Both teams are under new management, so the team selections will depend to a large degree on what each coach wants to see from their squads.

Real Madrid have Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga in their squad but they may not feature in the first match due to injuries. Antonio Rudiger is another who may not be rushed back after a knee issue, while Endrick is not expected to feature.

New signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen could both make their debuts for the Spanish giants after leaving Premier League clubs Liverpool and Bournemouth.

Al-Hilal could be switching to a 3-5-2 formation under Inzaghi, but Joao Cancelo will be assessed to ensure he is fit enough for a wing-back role.

Former Fulham striker Alexander Mitrovic has scored 68 goals in 79 games for Al-Hilal and is set to lead their attack against Madrid.

The starting lineups for Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal will be displayed below approximately one hour before kick-off.