Friday’s Football Tips: Benfica’s Bounce Back, Bayern’s Brutality, LAFC’s Big Chance & Chelsea’s Brazilian Test

Today’s Friday picks focus on Club World Cup action and the goal-laden potential it offers. From Benfica’s expected hammering of Auckland, to Bayern’s defensive masterclass, LAFC’s attacking edge, and Chelsea’s tactical battle with Flamengo, this is a fourfold built on quality, form, and clear match trends from top-level football.

Game: Benfica vs Auckland City

Expert: John Pentin; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Benfica will feel hard done by after clawing back a 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors in their opening game, but the Portuguese side now have the perfect opportunity to rectify that disappointment. Up next are Auckland City, who were thoroughly outclassed by Bayern Munich in a demoralising 10-0 defeat.

While Benfica’s firepower didn’t fully ignite against Boca, they showed resilience in coming back from two goals down and demonstrated they can turn on the intensity. With goal difference likely to be decisive, manager Roger Schmidt will not allow any complacency. Expect attacking midfielders and fringe players like Schjelderup to be unleashed in a game where rotation can still produce a cricket score.

The New Zealanders have neither the depth nor the defensive shape to deal with a top-tier European side. Even with Belotti suspended, Benfica have enough in the tank to not just win, but dismantle.

Best bet – Benfica to Win with a -5 Handicap

Game: Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors

Expert: Wolfgang Shotten; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
After smashing Auckland City by ten without reply, Bayern Munich are expected to take another step towards the knockout rounds with a clinical performance against Boca Juniors. The Bavarians didn’t just dominate—they barely let Auckland into their half, and that kind of control should continue against a more fragile Boca outfit.

Boca let a two-goal lead slip against Benfica and looked leggy after half-time. Defensively, they’ve lost Figal to suspension, and the options to replace him—Rojo or Valentini—either lack match sharpness or the physical attributes needed to cope with Bayern’s movement.

Vincent Kompany’s side are ruthless when smelling blood. Their last five wins have all come with clean sheets, and the structure of the midfield (Kimmich and Pavlovic) allows their attackers to flourish while giving nothing away. With Neuer between the sticks and the defence rock-solid, backing them to win to nil is a sound play.

Best bet – Bayern Munich to Win to Nil

Game: LAFC vs Esperance Tunis

Expert: Herrin Kendrick; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
LAFC may have lost their opening match against Chelsea, but they created multiple high-quality chances and gave the Blues a genuine test. Key forward Denis Bouanga was a menace down the flank, continuing a domestic run in which he’s scored in eight of his last nine MLS games.

Esperance, by contrast, barely laid a glove on Flamengo. With just 31% possession and one shot on target, they looked out of their depth. Their normally compact defence looked exposed when asked to defend width and pace—two areas where LAFC thrive.

This match is a must-win for the Americans, who are better equipped to take the initiative. Bouanga’s form, Giroud’s physicality and Tillman’s creativity all point to LAFC grabbing the goals. Given their attacking intent and Esperance’s lack of bite, backing the MLS side outright is the sharpest choice.

Best bet – LAFC to Win

Game: Flamengo vs Chelsea

Expert: Tyler Morris; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Chelsea’s performance against LAFC was professional, clinical, and composed. Maresca’s men have now won nine of their last 10 and boast real balance across all areas of the pitch. Flamengo also come into this on good form, having beaten Esperance comfortably, but they face a tougher test here.

Flamengo will try to play out from the back and control the ball, but Chelsea’s pressing game and quality in midfield—especially with Enzo Fernandez returning to the starting XI—make them dangerous in transition. Palmer and Neto have the vision to unlock even compact defences, and Liam Delap offers fresh energy up front.

Although Flamengo have gone nine unbeaten, Chelsea represent a serious step up in class. The Brazilians can cause trouble, but Chelsea’s edge in tempo, tactical fluidity and squad depth should prove decisive. Backing the Blues to get the job done makes sense.

Best bet – Chelsea to Win

💥 Friday Super Double

Fancy a short-priced combo to keep things ticking? Here’s today’s Super Double from BettingTips4You:

Selection 1: LAFC -1 to Win
Selection 2: Both Teams to Score – Flamengo vs Chelsea

Reasoning: LAFC will push hard for goal difference, and ES Tunis are vulnerable again. In Philadelphia, both Flamengo and Chelsea carry attacking threats—this one could see goals at both ends.

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