FIFA Club World Cup: Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City Picks — Kane to Fire German Giants to Dominant Win? (Jun 15)

The second day of action at the new-look FIFA Club World Cup will see the first European heavyweight in action.

Bayern Munich will be widely expected to top Group C, and they will face the Australian club Auckland City in their opening fixture this weekend.

The Bavarians will be heavy favorites to land a matchday one win, but can any hope be given to the outsider?

Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City Overview

Odds

Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City Head-to-Head Record

Bayern Munich and Auckland City will be going head-to-head for the first time at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Key Stats

• Bayern Munich are two-time winners of the Club World Cup in its previous format.
• Auckland City’s best previous showing at the Club World Cup came when achieving a memorable third-place finish in 2014.

Bayern Munich Team News

Vincent Kompany will be without a number of key defenders this summer, including Alphonso Davies, Kim-Min Jae, and Dayot Upamecano.

Possible Lineup

M. Neuer (GK); K. Laimer, J. Stanisic, J. Palhinha, R. Guerreiro, J. Kimmich, A. Pavlovic, M. Olise, L. Goretzka, S. Gnabry, H. Kane

Auckland City Team News

Auckland City are a part-time team in Australia, meaning that the vast majority of their team have taken paid leave from their regular jobs to compete at the Club World Cup. Paul Posa has no injury concerns ahead of the opener.

Possible Lineup

C. Tracey (GK); M. Ilich, N. Boxall, C. Gray, N. Lobo, G. Garriga, M. Ellis, D. Yoo, J. Foo, K. Gould, A. Kilkolly

Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City Picks

The odds indicate the size of the challenge that awaits Auckland City in Ohio on Sunday afternoon.

Bayern Munich’s roster is deep with international quality, while Auckland has limited players who have any experience at the highest level. With the European side likely to dominate the ball and enjoy a huge number of chances, it is hard to overlook the Germans covering the spread.