If Benfica wants to qualify for the round of 16, they must avoid defeat against Bayern Munich have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Club World Cup 

Benfica face Bayern Munich in the final round of Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup, with the Portuguese side needing only to avoid defeat to qualify for the next stage. Benfica have four points from their two group games, while Bayern have already secured their place in the round of 16 with six points.

Benfica’s manager, Bruno Lage, will look to build on the team’s 6-0 win over Auckland City, with centre-back Antonio Silva likely to partner Nicolas Otamendi in defence. Midfielders Orkun Kokcu and Leandro Barreiro are expected to start, while Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis, Kerem Akturkoglu, and Gianluca Prestianni could form a potent attacking line.

Bayern Munich, meanwhile, will aim to top the group with a win or draw. Vincent Kompany’s side have a strong record against Benfica, with seven unbeaten matches and six wins.

Josip Stanisic and Jonathan Tah are likely to start in defence, while Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka could partner each other in midfield. Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, and Kingsley Coman may start up front, with Harry Kane leading the charge.

Benfica Predicted XI:

Trubin; Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Barreiro, Kokcu; Di Maria, Prestianni, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis

Bayern Munich Predicted XI:

Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Stanisic, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane