Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors tips and predictions: Kompany’s men to fire on all cylinders against Argentines

Bayern Munich state of play 

We didn’t learn too much from Bayern Munich’s opening game against Auckland City, although the Germans were extremely ruthless when others might have slowed down in the heat. 

Vincent Kompany’s team are among the favourites to win the Club World Cup - and it’s hard to argue with the bookmakers.

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With one of the best attacking units within the competition, the Bundesliga champions have world-class options in their starting XI and on the bench. 

Not only did Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman and Thomas Muller all score a brace, but Jamal Musiala went one better with a 30 minute hattrick. 

How Harry Kane will be desperate to join them - and he may have more luck against Boca Juniors with Auckland City dropping incredibly deep.

Boca Juniors state of play 

Boca Juniors stunned Benfica, racing into a 2-0 lead inside 30 minutes. However, in true fashion, they pressed the self-destruct button and finished the match with a 2-2 draw, despite having an extra man advantage from the 72nd minute.

However, there were positive glimpses to their game that we haven’t seen domestically for a while. 

Their high press and aggressive nature caught Benfica out - and they’ll no doubt look to replicate that against Bayern Munich.

Whether it will work or not against a better side remains to be seen, but their disruptive approach will be their best chance of success in round two.

Key talking point: Can Boca be inspired by other South American teams?

South American teams have really impressed at this new look tournament. Whether that is down to European sides looking weary after a long season is up for debate, but take nothing away from how both the Argentine and the Brazilian teams are playing.

However, Boca are arguably the weakest link with an ageing squad. Bayern would have watched Benfica’s approach, and the Bundesliga champions will look to score early and kill any momentum Boca Juniors have heading into this encounter.

Their draw against Benfica has perhaps given them false hope, but that can play right into our hands with our bet. 

Something already discussed in our Club World Cup weekly acca best bets, Bayern are by far the classier opponents, but they are also ruthless when they need to be. 

Kompany won’t want his team to be dragged into any kind of arguing and tussles - and full concentration will be required.

If Bayern Munich play their usual game, they’ll be able to tire out Boca, and once again the goals can flow for the Germans.

FIRST’s top tip for Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors

Pick: Bayern Munich -1.5 handicap at 17/20 (Betway)

Bayern Munich will have observed Benfica’s performance against Boca Juniors but Kompany’s team are a level above. 

They can put the Argentine’s in their place and deliver another professional performance and qualify for the round of 16.

Team news 

Bayern Munich have no injury concerns to worry about after their 10-0 romp against Auckland. Instead, Vincent Kompany will have a decision to make as to whether or not to tinker with his starting XI.

Jamal Musiala returned from injury to score a 30 minute hattrick in round one, but no doubt Kompany will be keen to continue easing him in against a highly physical side.

Boca Juniors will go to battle without a couple of leading players in round two. Ander Herrera received a four game suspension for his comments aimed towards the officials after Benfica were awarded a penalty through VAR.

Centre-back Jorge Figal was handed the same punishment after his late red card on the pitch for a horrific tackle. 

Goalscorer Rodrigo Battaglia may be asked to fill in alongside Ayrton Costa having done so throughout the domestic campaign.

Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors FC predicted line-ups 

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Guerreiro, Stanisic, Tah, Boey, Pavlovic, Kimmich, Olise, Muller, Coman, Kane (4-2-3-1) 

Boca Juniors: Marchesin; Blanco, Costa, Battaglia, Advincula, Delgado, Belmonte, Palacios, Zenon, Velasco, Merentiel (4-1-2-1-1)

Form guide (all competitions): 

Bayern Munich: WLDDWWDWWW

Boca Juniors: WLWWWLDDLD

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Odds correct at the time of writing.