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The Club World Cup heats up as Real Madrid lock horns with Juventus in a highly anticipated last-16 clash. Get the latest team news, confirmed lineups, and all the key details ahead of this blockbuster encounter. Plus, all eyes are on Kylian Mbappé’s return to the squad after injury!

Real Madrid vs Juventus: The Stakes

Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League holders, enter this competition as strong favourites. Their squad is brimming with talent, and a victory against Juventus would set them on a collision course with Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals – a match many are already circling on their calendars. Juventus, however, are no pushovers. Despite a period of transition, they remain a formidable force in European football and will be determined to prove their mettle against the Spanish giants.

Team News & Injury Updates

The biggest talking point surrounding Real Madrid is undoubtedly the return of Kylian Mbappé. After recovering from a recent injury, he's back in the squad and expected to feature, though Carlo Ancelotti may opt for a cautious approach. Keep an eye on the starting lineup to see how he’s deployed. Real Madrid’s squad is otherwise in good health, with a few minor niggles to manage, but no major absentees.

For Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri faces a few more selection headaches. Several key players are nursing injuries, which could impact their tactical approach. Expect a resilient and disciplined performance from the Italian side, even if their team selection is slightly weakened.

Confirmed Lineups (Subject to Change)

• Real Madrid (Predicted): Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Kroos, Tchouameni; Valverde, Benzema, Mbappé
• Juventus (Predicted): Szczęsny; Danilo, Bremer, Alex Sandro; Cuadrado, Fagioli, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Vlahović, Chiesa

Note: These are predicted lineups and are subject to change closer to kick-off.

Key Battles to Watch

• Mbappé vs. Bremer: A battle between blistering pace and defensive strength.
• Modrić vs. Locatelli: Midfield maestros clashing for control of the game.
• Benzema vs. Juventus's Defence: Can Benzema unlock the Juventus backline?

How to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on [Insert Broadcasters Here – e.g., Sky Sports, ESPN]. Kick-off is at [Insert Time Here – e.g., 8:00 PM GMT]. Live updates and commentary will also be available on various sports websites and social media platforms.

Prediction

Real Madrid’s firepower and experience should ultimately prove too much for Juventus. Expect a tight and tactical affair, but a narrow victory for Los Blancos. However, Juventus's defensive solidity means it will not be an easy match for Real Madrid.