Luis Suarez
A Luis Suarez hat-trick gave Barcelona a 3-0 win over Guangzhou Evergrande Getty Images

Barcelona will look to secure their third Fifa Club World Cup title – and their fifth major trophy in the calendar year – when they take on River Plate in Yokohama on 20 December.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 10.30am GMT. The game is not scheduled for live broadcast in the UK.

Overview

River Plate reached the Club World Cup final by beating Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-0 in the semi-final in Osaka. That victory brought a three match winless run to a halt for the South American champions, who have only found the back of the net four times in their last five matches in all competitions.

Uruguayan midfielder Camilo Mayada, who was restricted to a late substitute appearance against Hiroshima, is likely to start on the left side of midfield to contain the forward runs of Barcelona right-back Dani Alves.

Barcelona dispatched Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande with ease in the semi-final, with a Luis Suarez hat-trick powering them to a 3-0 victory. The Catalan giants are looking to win this tournament for the third time after past triumphs in 2009 and 2011.

Lionel Messi, who missed the semi-final with renal colic, did not train with his teammates on 18 December and is doubtful to play. Brazilian forward Neymar has returned to fitness after a groin injury, however, and is likely to feature.

What managers say

Marcelo Gallardo: "When you look back and try to copy-paste an idea, it is not so easy in football because you can lose your way very quickly. All the coaches in the world would like to play like [Pep] Guardiola's Barcelona, but trying to imitate it is difficult."

Luis Enrique: "Overall, we played a very complete game [against Guangzhou Evergrande]. We don't know if we'll be able to count on Messi or Neymar. They don't know if they'll be ready and neither do we, so we'll have to see."

Form guide

  • River Plate (all competitions): WDLLW
  • Last result: Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0-1 River Plate (Club World Cup)
  • Barcelona (all competitions): WDDDW
  • Last result: Barcelona 3-0 Guangzhou Evergrande (Club World Cup)

Betting odds (bet365)

  • River Plate win: 18
  • Draw: 13/2
  • Barcelona win: 1/7

Team news

River Plate possible XI: Barovero; Mercado, Maidana, Balanta, Vangioni; Sanchez, Kranevitter, Ponzio, Mayada; Mora, Alario

Barcelona possible XI: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Barcelona FC