Dive into our expert analysis of the highly-anticipated matchup between **Benfica and Auckland City** this Thursday at 12:00 PM EDT in the Club World Cup. Buckle up for an action-packed showdown!
Top Betting Picks for Benfica vs Auckland City
- Totals – Over 6.5 goals @ -150 with BetMGM
- Anytime goalscorer – Nicolás Otamendi @ +160 with BetMGM
- BTTS – Yes @ +260 with BetMGM
All odds are courtesy of BetMGM, accurate at the time of publishing and subject to change.
A Goal-Scoring Frenzy in Florida
With just one point in their opening match, **Benfica** is set to unleash a torrent of goals against **Auckland City**. After witnessing Bayern Munich’s staggering **10-0** victory over the New Zealanders, it’s hard to ignore the potential for a similar outcome as the European giants prepare to put on a show in Orlando.
Benfica’s stellar scoring record in the Primeira Liga further bolsters our prediction. They’ve netted **52 goals** in just **17 home matches**, averaging a breathtaking **3.06 goals per game**. Facing an amateur side, it’s not unreasonable to expect them to surpass even that average, inching towards Bayern’s record.
Their dominance was evident in the opener, boasting **60% possession** and an impressive **1.77 xG** (expected goals), along with **19 touches** inside the opponent’s box. On the flip side, Auckland City leaked an alarming **4.28 xG** against Bayern, surrendering **31 shots**, of which **17 were on target**. All signs point to an exhilarating goal fest in this second match of the **2025 Club World Cup**.
- Benfica vs Auckland City Betting Tip 1: Totals – Over 6.5 goals @ -150 with BetMGM
Otamendi: The Unlikely Goal Scoring Hero
Keep your eyes on **Nicolás Otamendi**, the Argentine powerhouse who shone as the man of the match in Benfica’s last outing. Scoring the equalizer with only six minutes left, he chartered multiple incursions into the opposition box.
Otamendi boasts a commendable scoring statistic for a defender—having tallied **six goals** in **31 appearances**. Recently, he’s upped the ante, scoring **three goals** in his last five matches, a remarkable **60%** scoring rate. Given Auckland City’s amateur status, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him find the net, especially during set-pieces.
- Benfica vs Auckland City Betting Tip 2: Anytime goalscorer – Nicolás Otamendi @ +160 with BetMGM
A Long Shot: Auckland City’s Determination
While Benfica’s offense paints a picture of dominance, **Auckland City** isn’t without hope. The Navy Blues have confidence from their prior achievements, scoring at least once in their last **28 matches**. Their only recent blank came against Al Ittihad, where they suffered a disappointing **3-0** defeat.
Benfica’s recent history shows they have been far from airtight defensively, conceding in their last **five matches**. This vulnerability provides the perfect opportunity for Auckland to find the net, making it a strategic choice to back them to score on Friday.
- Benfica vs Auckland City Betting Tip 3: BTTS – Yes @ +260 with BetMGM
Team Form Analysis
Benfica’s morale received a boost from their comeback match against **Boca Juniors**. Despite being a man and two goals down, they displayed resilience, finishing with a **2-2 draw** and remaining in the hunt for a top-two finish. However, this draw extended their winless streak to **four matches**, a worrisome trend for fans.
Auckland City, typically strong in their own right, was rattled by Bayern’s ruthless efficiency but had been on a commendable **eight-match unbeaten streak** (comprising **six wins** and **two draws**) before that outing. Despite the absence of manager **Paul Posa**, interim coach **Ivan Vicelich** has his work cut out, rallying his team for a battle against one of Portugal’s football titans.
Probable Lineups for Benfica vs Auckland City
Benfica Expected Lineup: Trubin; Dahl, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Florentino, Sanches; Di Maria, Aursnes, Bruma; Pavlidis
Auckland City Expected Lineup: Tracey; Murati, Boxall, Mitchell, Lobo; Ilich, den Heijer, Garriga; Yoo, Manickum, Bevan
With so much at stake, make sure to tune in for what promises to be an electrifying encounter! Stay updated in the world of football by checking out more insights on Goal.com.
