Barella was at the centre of everything for Inter Milan in their 1-1 draw against Monterrey in their opening game of the Club World Cup. He completed more passes than any other player (66), completed more dribbles than any other player (three) and created more chances than any other player (three). 

As well as these match dominating numbers, Barella had three shots in the game, which suggests that he can be a shot threat in this fixture. Barella had 43 shots across his 33 Serie A appearances during the 24/25 season (1.57 per 90). We can expect this metric to increase, seeing as Barella is playing against inferior opposition, just as his shot count increased against Monterrey in the opening fixture. 

Barella is not the most obvious player to highlight for shots but should get chances here in and around the box to get efforts away, against a Urawa side that will be pushed back really deep at times by Inter, similar to how they managed to pen back Monterrey for large periods in their opening game, which would see Barella step up into an advanced role.

Marcus Thuram made a 30-minute substitute appearance in Inter's opening match against Monterrey, but manager Cristian Chivu is expected to restore the proven strike partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Thuram from the start as Inter push for victory. Securing all three points will be crucial in their quest to finish top of the group.  

During the 24/25 Serie A campaign, Thuram demonstrated his ability to draw fouls, winning 36 free kicks across 32 league appearances (1.41 per 90). His effectiveness in this area was even more pronounced in the Champions League, where he averaged 2.55 fouls won per 90 across 14 matches. This knack for drawing fouls could prove particularly valuable against a physical Urawa side, potentially creating dangerous set piece opportunities for Inter.

The French forward's combination of strength and technical ability makes him a constant handful for defenders. His partnership with Martinez has been one of Inter's most reliable attacking outlets, with their contrasting styles complementing each other perfectly. While Martinez provides the predatory instincts in the box, Thuram's movement and hold-up play creates space and brings others into the game.  

With Inter needing a strong performance to establish themselves as group leaders, Thuram's inclusion from the start could provide the spark they need. His ability to win fouls in advanced areas not only relieves pressure but also allows Inter to maintain attacking momentum. Against a Urawa side that may look to sit deep, Thuram's physical presence and intelligent movement could be key to breaking them down. After limited minutes in the opener, this match represents the perfect opportunity for him to make his mark on the tournament.

Inter were frustrated by Monterrey in their Club World Cup opener, held to a 1-1 draw despite dominating proceedings. Chivu's side created enough chances to win comfortably, racking up 15 shots with an xG of 2.68 while controlling 62% of possession. The manager rightly emphasised the need for greater ruthlessness in front of goal when facing opponents they're clearly superior to.  

While Monterrey scored from their only shot on target, this shouldn't overshadow Inter's defensive solidity in limiting their opponents to just one meaningful attempt. The real lesson lies in converting their own dominance into goals - something they'll be determined to rectify against Urawa.  

The Japanese side looked vulnerable against River Plate's physical approach, struggling to cope with direct play. This plays perfectly into Inter's hands, with their powerful presence across the pitch giving them a significant advantage in duels and aerial battles. Urawa's attacking threat appears limited too - their sole goal came from the penalty spot, with open play chances amounting to just 0.3 xG.  

With Inter's creative players likely to enjoy more space and time on the ball than they did against Monterrey, and their physical superiority in key areas, all signs point towards a convincing response from the Italian giants. Expect them to control the tempo, create numerous opportunities, and this time, make their dominance count on the scoreboard. The stage is set for Inter to kickstart their campaign with a statement victory that reflects their quality.

Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net in Inter's opening Club World Cup match against Monterrey and appears primed to continue his scoring form in this fixture. The Argentine striker enjoyed a productive 24/25 campaign, registering 22 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions. His Champions League performances were particularly noteworthy, with nine goals in 14 matches as Inter progressed to the final of Europe's premier club competition.  

Martinez's predatory instincts make him a persistent danger in the penalty area, and his goal against Monterrey should provide the perfect confidence boost as the tournament progresses. His movement off the ball and clinical finishing make him Inter's most reliable source of goals, especially against defences that may struggle to handle his intelligent positioning.  

Having already opened his account in the competition, Martinez will be eager to build momentum. His understanding with strike partner Thuram gives Inter a formidable attacking duo capable of unlocking any defence. Against opponents who showed vulnerability against physical forwards in their previous match, Martinez's combination of technical quality and aggressive pressing could prove decisive.  

The Inter captain leads by example with his work rate and goalscoring contributions. With the Italian side looking to make amends for their opening game draw, Martinez will undoubtedly be central to their attacking plans. His ability to create chances out of nothing and convert half opportunities makes him the most likely match winner for an Inter side determined to impose themselves on this competition.

Pavard picked up four yellow cards across his 23 appearances in Serie A during the 24/25 season, only Hakan Calhanoglu (five) picked up more cautions than Pavard during the most recent campaign.

The referees have already been in the spotlight at this tournament for some interesting decisions and use of VAR, this should continue here. Inter are likely to dedicate quite a few men forward as anything other than a win here would put their chances of topping the group at great risk; this could leave gaps at the back which Urawa look to capitalise on in moments of transition.

Pavard often lines up on the right side of a back three for Inter, which means that his positioning can often be quite versatile, which puts Pavard in multiple situations where he is forced to commit a foul and catch the eye of the referee. 

Inter were frustrated in their Club World Cup opener, drawing 1-1 with Monterrey despite creating enough chances to secure all three points. They registered 15 attempts with an expected goals figure of 2.68 while dominating possession with 62% of the ball. Manager Chivu emphasised afterwards that his team must improve their finishing when facing opponents they are superior to, as such wastefulness could prove costly in the tournament.  

While Monterrey converted their only shot on target, this shouldn't detract from Inter's defensive organisation in restricting their opponents to minimal opportunities. The focus for improvement lies in making their own dominance count on the scoreboard. Their next opponents Urawa appear the weakest side in the group, having struggled against River Plate's physicality in their first match.  

Inter's considerable physical advantage over the Japanese side could prove decisive. Urawa looked uncomfortable dealing with River Plate's direct style of play, and Inter possess even greater strength throughout their squad. Although Urawa scored from the penalty spot in their opener, their open play threat was minimal, evidenced by a meagre 0.3 non-penalty xG figure. This suggests Inter have an excellent opportunity to control the game and limit Urawa's attacking output while creating numerous chances of their own.  

The Italian side's superior quality and physical presence should allow them to dictate proceedings. With lessons learned from their opening match about converting dominance into goals, Inter are well placed to secure a convincing victory that reflects their status as one of the tournament favourites.