When: 18:00
Where: Club World Cup Group Stage

Benfica
The Portuguese club enters the match during a difficult phase. After a series of four games without a win (three draws and one loss), they no longer have a chance at titles in the domestic league and cup. The 2-2 draw in the first Club World Cup game against Boca Juniors underlines the challenges. Nevertheless, Benfica remains the clear favorite, as the quality of the European team clearly surpasses that of the amateur club from Oceania. For Bruno Lage's team, it is important not only to win but also by a large margin, in order to improve the goal difference in the fight for the second group ticket.

Auckland City
The New Zealanders experienced the heaviest defeat in the history of the Club World Cup with 0-10 against Bayern Munich. This was their first match against a European team and clearly showed the difference in performance. Auckland City comes from a country with barely professionally developed football and aim to sell themselves with honor and maybe even score a goal – which last happened in 2016. However, it will be extremely difficult to build on this achievement.

Injuries
Benfica is missing offensive player Andrea Belotti (red card suspension after the game against Boca Juniors) as well as injured players Araujo, Ba, Manu, and Florentino. Auckland City has no absences, but the quality of players raises doubts about competitiveness.

Head-to-Head
The teams have never met before. For Benfica, this is the first match against a representative from Oceania, while Auckland City is appearing for only the second time against a European team.

Match Prediction
Benfica is obliged to win, with the main question being the scoreline. Despite the form crisis, the difference in class is too large, and Auckland City will hardly be able to offer serious resistance, especially after the psychologically heavy defeat against Bayern. Benfica will want to score early to improve the goal difference but will still not achieve an extremely high score. Individual skill, especially from players like Nicolás Otamendi, could be decisive. Auckland City will only rarely be able to create dangerous attacks, with Mayer Bevan as the key player.

My tip: Over 5.5 goals (1.35)

When: 20:45
Where: Irish Premier League

Droheda United
Droheda United is in a phenomenal 3rd place with 31 points from 21 games. The team shows remarkable balance, has a solid defense, and effective chance conversion. With 10 draws in 21 matches, the team proves its ability not to lose even in difficult situations. The home record is convincing, with the defense particularly stable, and the team playing disciplined and organized.

Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers, on the other hand, is struggling with major problems and currently stands only in 9th place with 15 points from 19 games. The defense is very vulnerable, reflected in 34 goals conceded. Although the team tries to make offensive impact, the defensive weaknesses are often mercilessly punished. The form is inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in the last five games.

Injuries
Droheda United is expected to field their best lineup and has no injury concerns. For Sligo Rovers, the New Zealand player Ollie Denham is out due to injury, which is significant given the already weak defense.

Head-to-Head
No current data on direct encounters is available, so we focus on current form and team behavior.

Match Prediction
Droheda United is clearly favored: they are not only twice as successful in points earned but also show stable and disciplined play, especially in defense. Sligo Rovers have major defensive weaknesses and unstable performances. The home team will take control and efficiently utilize their chances. Due to the significant quality difference, a win for Droheda United is very likely.

My tip: Win Droheda United (1.70)

When: 11:45
Where: Australian NPL Victoria

Melbourne Knights
The Melbourne Knights are currently in last place and have a long winless streak extending over nine games. During this time, they have only managed to earn one point, underscoring their role as the main relegation candidates. In the last match, they only secured a draw against a direct competitor, which was not enough to leave the bottom of the table. The defense shows weaknesses, conceding an average of 2.4 goals per game.

Green Gully Cavaliers
The Green Gully Cavaliers are a mid-table team that were considered relegation candidates at the start of the season but have since stabilized. Unfortunately, they have not won in the last four games, only two draws, indicating a certain weakness phase. Nevertheless, they are offensively and defensively somewhat more stable than their opponents, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per game. The upcoming match offers a good opportunity to end this negative streak.

Injuries
No information on injuries is available.

Head-to-Head Encounters
In the last five direct encounters, both teams have won twice each, with one match ending in a draw. The matches are thus very balanced and usually feature many goals.

Prediction for the Match
Given the statistics and current form, the bet on "Both teams to score: Yes" is advisable. Both teams have offensive potential and defensive weaknesses, which in the past has often led to goals from both sides. Additionally, the recently weakened form of the Melbourne Knights and the Green Gully Cavaliers' need to end their negative streak argue for a high-scoring game where both teams score at least once. The offered odds of 1.50 are attractive for this.

My Tip: Both teams to score: Yes (1.50)

When: 12:30
Where: NPL

Hume City
Hume City is currently in fifth place with 31 points, five points behind third place. In the last four games, the team won two matches and drew two, but dropped two points in the most recent round against a table neighbor from the lower half. The team shows some inconsistency but has been convincing against stable mid-table teams.

Heidelberg United
Heidelberg United is currently leading the table with just a one-point advantage over their main rival. In the last 13 matches, the team remains unbeaten with 12 wins and one draw. The defense is particularly strong, having conceded only 17 goals in 18 games. Heidelberg currently demonstrates a very consistent and impressive performance.

Injuries
Information on injuries is not available, meaning both teams are expected to field their full squads.

Head-to-Head
In the last five direct encounters, Heidelberg United won twice, Hume City once. The record slightly favors the league leaders, confirming their form.

Match Prediction
Both teams show strong offensive power in the current season; however, the previous meetings and solid defensive work, especially by Heidelberg United, point to a controlled match. The average goals per game for both teams are around 3.3, but given the tactical discipline and competitive pressure, we expect the match will not be overly high-scoring. Therefore, we recommend the bet “Under 3.5 Goals” as a sensible safety for this duel.

My Tip: Under 3.5 Goals (1.43)