- Auckland City have lost their last three Club World Cup matches without scoring
- Harry Kane has started the scoring in three of Bayern Munich’s last six matches
- Recommended bet: Harry Kane to score the first goal

Auckland City are the dominant force in the Oceania Football Confederation but it is they who could be out of their depth when participating at the expanded Club World Cup.

The New Zealand outfit have won the OFC Champions League 13 times in the last 22 years, which includes four successive triumphs since the competition’s resumption after the coronavirus pandemic.

But they are the only non-professional outfit among 32 participating teams and face a major struggle to be competitive.

Every game will be a tough assignment for Paul Posa’s side, although their opener against Bayern Munich looks especially daunting.

Bayern had a strong season — winning the Bundesliga and reaching the Champions League quarter-finals — and will be aiming to contend for the trophy.

Team news

Bayern Munich have reported no fresh injuries and have included recent signings Jonathan Tah and Tom Bischoff, who have joined from Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim. Dayot Upamecano and Jamal Musiala are back in the mix after long-term injuries.

Auckland City are expected to deploy a deep-lying defence but their main offensive outlet could be Myer Bevan, who has notched in three of his last four appearances.

The stats

Bayern Munich have scored at least two goals in each of their last seven fixtures.

Bayern have won four of their last five matches without conceding a goal.

The Bavarians have started the scoring in five of their last six fixtures.

Auckland City have succumbed to 3-0 defeats in each of their last two matches at the Club World Cup.

Three of Auckland City’s last four matches have featured at least four goals.

Prediction

Bayern Munich are used to winning matches by a wide margin and should run up a big score against Auckland City in their Group C clash at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.

The Bavarians will be aiming to advance to the round of 16 as sectional winners and are sure to be targeting a convincing victory before next Friday’s fixture against Boca Juniors, which has the potential to be a tricky encounter.

Benfica are the other participants in a group which could boil down to a three-team race for two qualification slots.

But Auckland City are likely to be out of their depth and may struggle to maintain a respectable scoreline in their opening game.

Bayern will not take matters lightly and are expected to start with a first-choice side.

Harry Kane should spearhead their search for goals and seems an obvious candidate to open the floodgates.

Back Harry Kane to score the first goal at 43/20 with LiveScore Bet.