Boca Juniors vs Benfica Bet Builder tips: Merentiel & Akturkoglu to score, corners galore expected in tonight’s Club World Cup clash!
Here’s our Bet Builder pick for Boca Juniors vs Benfica, which has been placed with William Hill:
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org |
Miguel Merentiel to Score Anytime
The absence of Edinson Cavani due to injury has shifted the attacking responsibility firmly onto Miguel Merentiel’s shoulders. The Uruguayan forward has responded well, netting six goals and delivering three assists in the 2025 Torneo Apertura. His willingness to drop deep, combine with midfielders, and create his own opportunities makes him a focal point of Boca’s attacking strategy.
Despite Boca Juniors facing some turbulence in recent months, including an early exit from the domestic playoffs and changes in management, Merentiel has remained a reliable figure up front. With Boca under the guidance of Miguel Angel Russo for the third time, there’s likely to be an emphasis on resilience and hard work—qualities Merentiel embodies.
Benfica’s defence, while well-organised, may still struggle against physical centre-forwards, particularly when dealing with aerial balls and second phases from set-pieces. Merentiel’s sharp movement and ability to exploit loose defending could be decisive in this tightly contested opener. In a match where chances may be few and far between for Boca, Merentiel is their best bet to make one count.
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | Open Account Offer – New Customers only. Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets when you join bet365. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you five times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value settle. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs , time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org | New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. | New cust only. Opt-in required. Deposit & place a bet within 7 days and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater to be credited with 3 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 football. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply. Acca Club: Available to new & existing customers. 3 or more selections. Min Odds: 3/10 (1.3) per leg. Max stake: £500. Max Winnings: £200,000 per boost. Profit Boost amounts vary. Horse Racing, Greyhounds & Trotting excluded. Exclusions apply. Full T&C’s apply. 18+ GambleAware.org. | New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&Cs Apply; 18+ | Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org |
Kerem Akturkoglu to Score Anytime
Kerem Akturkoglu’s inclusion in Benfica’s front three adds a dynamic edge to their attacking set-up. Previously known for his exploits in Turkey, he has brought pace, flair, and a willingness to take defenders on. In a game likely to feature moments of transition, his ability to run in behind defenders could be crucial.
With Orkun Kokcu pulling strings in midfield and Angel Di Maria drifting into dangerous pockets, Akturkoglu is bound to benefit from intelligent service and overlaps from full-backs like Carreras. He also has a proven record of stepping up in big matches and isn’t shy about taking on responsibility in front of goal.
Boca’s defence, which includes the experienced but slower Marcos Rojo, could be particularly vulnerable to Akturkoglu’s pace and dribbling. With Benfica expected to dominate the ball, especially through their midfield trio, the opportunities will be there for the Turkish winger to cut inside or arrive at the far post to finish off sweeping moves.
Back Our Boca Juniors vs Benfica Ultimate Bet Builder Tip Here
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund Bet Builder | |
14/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning With both teams excelling in attack but showing weaknesses at the back, goals seem inevitable. Everaldo offers excellent value in Cano’s absence, while the styles of play suggest a flurry of corners. Add the physical edge expected in a high-stakes tie, and bookings should be frequent on both sides. |
Boca Juniors Over 3 Corners
While Boca Juniors are not favourites for this clash, they are unlikely to sit back and concede space without resistance. Their wide play, led by tricky wingers like Exequiel Zeballos and Cristian Zenon, frequently results in corners as they push forward and force defenders into hurried clearances.
Even during inconsistent form, Boca have consistently delivered when it comes to corner counts. Their aggressive wing play and full-back overlaps stretch defences, increasing the chances of blocked crosses and deflections. With Merentiel acting as a central target and midfielders like Herrera and Delgado supporting in advanced areas, Boca are likely to generate chances that lead to corner kicks.
Benfica will likely allow Boca moments of pressure, especially during early phases or after any setbacks. That should give the Argentinians enough opportunities to register at least four corners, particularly given the attacking urgency required in a group where Bayern Munich are favourites to top the table.
Benfica Over 3 Corners
Benfica are a side who look to dominate territory and possession, and they achieve that by building through the lines with purpose and width. Their attacking unit includes Di Maria and Akturkoglu on the flanks, both of whom are specialists at forcing defenders into blocks and recovering second balls.
In Bruno Lage’s setup, overlapping full-backs play a pivotal role, often delivering crosses from deep or linking with wide forwards to get behind defences. This results in a high frequency of corner kicks, especially when faced with teams who sit in a mid-to-low block, as Boca are expected to do for large stretches of the match.
Furthermore, Benfica’s recent form suggests they will create several sustained spells of pressure. The Eagles average well over five corners per match in domestic competition and Champions League fixtures alike. With Boca Juniors lacking pace in their defensive third and Benfica looking to exploit that, the over 3 corners mark looks comfortably attainable.
Enhance your betting game with our daily free betting tips, predictions, and accumulators.
For more betting tips and news, check out:
Don’t forget to visit our Free Bets page for the best possible value from our Today’s Football Predictions, as well as our Predictions for Tomorrow’s Football Predictions.