Auckland City are expected to struggle here, as they did on matchday 1 (a 10-0 defeat to Bayern Munich. Benfica had trouble converting chances against Boca Juniors and will now need to build up goal difference against the weakest team in the group. The expectation is for an extremely attacking approach from Os Encarnados, Auckland will have to sit back and defend.

As expected, the New Zealand side were an easy target for Bayern, who had more possession (72% v 28%) and shots (31 v 1). The German team finished the match with 10 corners.

This pick is entirely based on the context of Benfica facing the weakest team in the Club World Cup. Against Boca Juniors, Benfica managed to notch seven corners, they look good to clear the 10+ line here.

Benfica will likely dominate possession, probing for space and waiting for clear chances to score. While against Boca, Benfica faced a tight-marking opponent, typical of Argentine football, which led to four cards shown (three of them red), this is unlikely against a fragile Auckland side.

No cards were shown in Bayern v Auckland, and notably, it was the Germans who committed more fouls (11 v 4). The Oceanian team don't have a particularly aggressive defensive style. In four of their last five matches, they have not received a single card.

Expect more of the same against Benfica, who in turn won’t be heavily pressed defensively, which should favour a low-card affair.

At 37, Di María is still a difference-maker, it was his penalty that got Benfica on the scoreboard against Boca Juniors. The winger enters the second group match motivated and poised to find the net again against the group’s weakest team.

Di María had a good season with Benfica despite a few injuries. He made 41 appearances and was involved in 25 goals - scoring 16 and assisting nine. Against Boca, in addition to his penalty, he had another shot that was blocked. The fact that he takes set pieces for Benfica adds value to this pick.

Auckland City conceded 10 goals in their opener and it could have been more. Defensively, the team is extremely fragile and even when sitting deep, they’re constantly exposed. Against the Germans, they allowed 31 shots, 17 of which were on target.

In line with what has been said, especially regarding Auckland’s vulnerable defence, another strong pick is for a Benfica forward to score. While Vangelis Pavlidis is priced too low given the weak opposition, Turkish winger Kerem Akturkoglu is a great alternative.

With 16 goals, Akturkoglu is Benfica’s second-highest scorer this season, tied with Di María. Even in his first season in Lisbon, the No. 17 has earned coach Bruno Lage’s trust - starting 11 of the team’s last 12 matches.

From the left wing, Akturkoglu averaged 2.1 shots per game and hit the target with one of them (per game), based on stats from the most recent Portuguese league. He’s had direct involvement in five goals in Benfica’s last eight matches across all competitions.