Soccer
Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns Preview: Odds, Tips, and Prediction
Date: 18 June 2025 Kick-off (UK Time): 00:00 Venue: Inter and Co Stadium South Korea’s Ulsan HD take on South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial FIFA Club World Cup clash at the Inter and Co Stadium on Tuesday, 18 June 2025. Both sides come into the competition as champions of their respective domestic league’s and will be eager to advance on the global stage. There’s plenty of value in this clash for your Club World Cup betting strategy!
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Sundowns' South African defender Grant Kekana heads the ball//Getty Images
Kim Pan-gon’s Ulsan are one of the strongest teams in the K League and have made their mark on the Asian continent after winning the AFC Champions League undefeated twice (2012 and 2020). Meanwhile, Miguel Cardoso’s Mamelodi Sundowns are one of Africa’s finest and are no stranger to the international stage. With top clubs like Ulsan and Mamelodi Sundowns competing on the international stage, many punters turn to trusted soccer betting sites for odds and insights.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Ulsan Win: 6/4 (2.50) – 40.0%
Draw: 21/10 (3.10) – 31.0%
Sundowns Win: 7/4 (2.75) – 29.0%
Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Ulsan and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ulsan Current Form – WDWDL
Ulsan have stumbled recently domestically in South Korea with a run of form that has seen them fall of the pace of the leading pack. Their recent K League performances include just two wins and they have drawn twice and lost once, dropping valuable points on the way.
Kang Min-woo of Ulsan HD//Getty Images
Key Players to watch
- Erick Farais: Ulsan’s top scorer has been clinical in front of the goal with eight goals in 14 games in the K league this season.
- Darijan Bojanic: The Swedish midfielder has brought flair and creativity to the side and will be key in unlocking Sundowns’ defence. His four goal contributions in 10 K league games shows how dangerous he can be for Ulsan.
- Kim Young-Gwon: The veteran centre-back brings composure and leadership to the backline for his side. The 35-year-old will be vital against the mobile Sundowns attack.
Ulsan Team News
Ulsan come into the game with a pretty clean bill of health. Midfielder Yoon Jae-seok is carrying a knock but should be fit for the showpiece against the South Africans, but the rest of the squad is fully fit and available.
Mamelodi Sundowns Current Form – WWWDL
The Brazilians dominated the Betway Premiership en route to an eighth consecutive league title but the loss in the CAF Champions League final to Pyramids of Egypt will surely have dampened the mood inside the camp. Downs had a 100% record over their previous five games before that two-legged final that saw Pyramids claim continental success over the South African based outfit.
Themba Zwane//Getty Images
Key Players to watch
- Themba Zwane: The veteran midfielder remains the heartbeat of Sundowns. Zwane’s vision and composure make him a key figure and after just returning from injury will have a point to prove.
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa: The Brazilian forward has been the best player in the South African Premiership this season and has guided Downs to the league title with a contribution of 16 goal involvements.
- Ronwen Williams: One of Africa’s best goalkeepers, Williams’ shot-stopping ability and leadership from the back will be crucial to Sundowns’ hopes of qualifying for the next round.
Mamelodi Sundowns Team News
Sundowns have chosen their 26-man squad for the tournament and left out five players, with the likes of Thapelo Maseko, Matias Esquivel, Jody February, Zuko Mdunyelwa, and Kegan Johanes all failed to make the travelling squad.
Suggested Bets
Some of the leading sportsbooks in the game offer sharp Club World Cup markets, and based on recent form, here are a few bets worth considering:
Both Teams to Score: With attacking firepower on both sides, expect goals at either end. (Forecast odds: 7/10)
Over 2.5 Goals: With the attacking philosophies of both sides, expect over 2.5 goals in this tie. (Forecast odds: 6/5)
Value Bets
Anytime Goal Scorer (Ribeiro): Back the Brazilian to continue his clinical form in front of the goal against the South Koreans. (Forecast odds: 3/1)
Draw: These two sides are evenly matched and may cancel each other out which could provide lots of value. (Forecast odds: 23/10)
Prediction: Draw and Both Teams to Score
This is going to be a closely fought encounter and with the importance of the points on the line, it is likely both sides cancel each other out on the day. There is plenty of goals their attacking outputs so for extra value, back both sides to score along with the draw. With matches like this offering tight margins, taking advantage of a welcome bonus can add extra value to your betting experience.
Nigel Naicker is a versatile sportswriter with years of experience covering global tournaments like the Premier League, AFCON, Champions League, and PSL. From soccer to UFC and cricket, his expertise spans multiple sports. Recently, he's honed his skills in sports gambling content and niche sports.