Benfica vs Auckland City Predictions

• 15 of Benfica’s players are odds-on to score anytime
• Auckland City conceded 17 shots on target in their 10-0 loss to Bayern
• Benfica need to post a strong goal difference after a 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors, with a last-16 spot potentially decided by goal difference

Bayern have set the bar

A 10-0 defeat to Bayern Munich could be just the start of Auckland City’s troubles, following Benfica’s 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors. The battle to progress looks like it’s going to be a tight one between those three sides, with Boca putting on an impressive show before the Eagles fought back.

Goal difference could easily come into play in this group, meaning Bayern have set a high bar with their 10-0 victory. With qualification potentially resting on their margin of victory, it’s hard to imagine Benfica will give the part-timers a pass in Orlando.

While Benfica aren’t quite on Bayern Munich’s level, the gulf between them and the competition’s sole representative from Oceania is huge.

The Eagles could rotate, but they have talented players waiting in the wings hoping to impress. That includes winger Andreas Schjelderup, who didn’t feature against Boca.

Benfica have no fewer than 15 players who are priced below evens to score in this game. Bayern had 17 shots on target against Auckland City, now the Eagles head into this clash in need of a first victory and a flattering goal difference. A -6 handicap is something the Portuguese are capable of covering.