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Al Ittihad vs Auckland City predictions ahead of this clash in the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday. The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup commences on Tuesday as Al Ittihad faces Auckland City at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, vying for a spot in the second round. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
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Match Live Tuesday, 12th December at 6:00 pm In:
Al Ittihad vs Auckland City Predictions
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Clash of Continents: Al Ittihad vs Auckland City in Club World Cup Opener
Key Stats
– Auckland City’s Ryan De Vries scored five goals in the last four OFC Champions League games.
– Al Ittihad’s formidable attacking trio of Benzema, Kante, and Fabinho.
The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup opens with a fascinating first-round clash, featuring Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad against New Zealand’s Auckland City at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. The anticipation around this game is palpable, with the Saudi team boasting an impressive line-up and the Kiwi side eager to replicate their past success on the global stage.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Benzema’s experience in this tournament is unparalleled, having four goals in its history, and is just a strike away from equaling the tallies of renowned names like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. This pedigree makes Benzema a formidable threat in front of goal. Moreover, his involvement is not just limited to scoring goals. His playmaking abilities are evident, creating big chances and maintaining an impressive accuracy rate in the opposition half.
Al Ittihad, under Marcelo Gallardo, is expected to take an attacking approach, and Benzema is likely to be at the heart of their offensive strategy. Despite Auckland City’s determination to replicate their past successes, they face a daunting task in containing Benzema, who is supported by a talented squad including N’Golo Kante and Fabinho.
Currently, Bet365 has boosted the odds for Benzema to score at any time from 2/7 to an enticing 2/5, a move that reflects his high scoring probability in this match. At these improved odds, this bet not only offers great value but also aligns perfectly with the statistical likelihood of Benzema finding the back of the net, given his current form and the expected dominance of Al Ittihad in this encounter. This selection, at the time of writing, presents a compelling opportunity for those looking to place a wager on this match, with odds subject to change and terms and conditions applying.
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Marcelo Gallardo’s short tenure with Al Ittihad brings high expectations, as the two-time Copa Libertadores winner boasts a squad enriched with international experience. Key players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho add considerable strength, particularly in midfield and attack. Benzema’s return from injury and his rich Club World Cup history could play a crucial role in Al Ittihad’s campaign.
However, Auckland City, under the guidance of Albert Riera, cannot be underestimated. Despite recent defeats in their domestic league, the team has demonstrated resilience and a knack for finding the net when it matters. Their ability to play without fear, even against a team of Al Ittihad’s calibre, could be their biggest strength.
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Tactical Analysis:
Al Ittihad, likely to line up with a strong attacking formation, will look to Benzema for goal-scoring opportunities, supported by Coronado and Jota. Auckland City, on the other hand, might opt for a more conservative 4-5-1 formation, focusing on counter-attacks through the likes of Howieson and Manickum.
The game will likely be decided in the midfield, where Kante and Fabinho’s experience for Al Ittihad will be key in controlling the pace and creating opportunities. Auckland City will need to focus on solid defending and quick transitions to catch the Saudi team off guard.
Team Performance Analysis:
Al Ittihad’s recent form shows a vulnerability in defence, with no clean sheets in their last eight games. This defensive frailty could be an area for Auckland City to exploit, particularly through their forward, Ryan De Vries. Auckland City’s defence, though, will face a stern test against Al Ittihad’s attack.
Managerial Strategies:
Gallardo’s approach will be under scrutiny, given his new role and the team’s recent defensive issues. For Auckland City, Riera’s ability to inspire a fearless approach against a superior opponent will be crucial.
Our Take:
The match presents a classic David vs Goliath scenario, with Al Ittihad’s star power up against Auckland City’s underdog spirit. The game will likely be more competitive than anticipated, with both teams having clear strengths and weaknesses. Al Ittihad’s attacking prowess may just outweigh Auckland City’s spirited resistance.
Expected Lineups:
- Al Ittihad: Grohe; Alshanqiti, Hawsawi, Hegazy, Bamsaud; Kante, Fabinho; Alamri, Coronado, Jota; Benzema.
- Auckland City: Tracey; Vale, Mitchell, Lee, Lobo; Garriga, D. Heijer, Howieson, Ilich, Manickum; Kilkolly.
With these lineups, Al Ittihad will likely dominate possession and control the game’s tempo, while Auckland City will aim to stay compact and exploit any counter-attacking opportunities.
Predictions:
- Match Result: Al Ittihad to Win – Considering the home advantage and the star-studded line-up, Al Ittihad is favored to win.
- Correct Score: Al Ittihad 2-1 Auckland City – Auckland’s goal-scoring ability suggests they’ll find the net, but Al Ittihad’s attack is likely to prevail.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Karim Benzema to Score Anytime – Benzema’s experience and form make him a prime candidate to score.
- First Half Result: Al Ittihad Leading – Al Ittihad’s aggressive playstyle might help them secure an early lead.
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