Al-Ittihad FC vs Auckland City FC Prediction: FIFA Club World Cup Opener 2023

For many football fans, this competition falls behind in popularity when compared to continental competitions like the UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and the CAF Champions League. The opening game takes place on a Champions league night and as many may opt to watch the big games taking place in Europe’s elite competition this Tuesday evening, what you can expect from the FIFA Club World Cups Opening fixture.

Al-Ittihad vs Auckland City Match Odds 

Many football fans will be familiar with Saudi based side Al-Ittihad after they broke the bank to sign European stars like; Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Brazilian anchorman Fabinho. The FIFA Club World Cup presents a unique opportunity to test whether these money purchases and changes can compete against the world’s best. The journey starts with this Match against OFC Champions League holders Auckland City FC.  

Win probability is set at 87% in favor of Al-Ittihad walking away with a win. This installment of the FIFA Club World Cup will be taking place in Saudi Arabia and this opening fixture is schedule to take place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. This venue is Al-Ittihad’s Home stadium. Auckland City’s Coach Albert Riera, not to be mistaken for Liverpool’s former front man. Will look to beat the odds stacked against him and walk away with a win, but he knows his team's recent poor run of results will affect them going into this world cup clash. 

The odds ahead of kick off are set at 9/100 for an Al-Ittihad Win, 9/1 for a draw and 24/1 for an Auckland City win. 

Both Teams to Score – No 53/100 

Auckland City have been struggling to secure a win in their last three matches in all competitions. They lost to Wellington Olympic last time out and they failed to get on the score sheet. Against a determined Al-Ittihad side, they will find it difficult to breach the Saudi Club’s well drilled defense. That is why we are going for Both Teams to Score – No 53/100 as the market to consider as part of your bet slip for match day one of the FIFA Club World Cup 

To Qualify – Al-Ittihad FC 3/100 

It will take an absolute miracle according to the probability for there to be an upset in this fixture. However, punters must always consider that this fixture has the potential to stretch well beyond the 90-minute mark. Going into extra time and penalties. If this were to happen a bet on the 3 ways would result in a draw and even though the team you selected goes all the way to the next round you still lose on your bet. In a fixture of this nature, it is advisable to go for the “To Qualify” market. We went for Al-Ittihad to qualify at 3/100 odds.