Club World Cup predictions: Monday group-stage tips and odds
Our expert has tips for all three of Monday's Club World Cup matches, including an intriguing Group C clash between Boca Juniors and Benfica at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (kick-off, 11pm BST).
He also has predictions for two Group D matches: Chelsea's opener against Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, plus Flamengo vs ES Tunis in the early hours of Tuesday.
Odds courtesy of Sky Bet. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Already a Sky Bet member? Check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts.
Chelsea vs LAFC (Atlanta, Monday 8pm BST)
Having a bloated squad is not ideal but for Chelsea it means they should cope with the current volume of football better than most, and they should start their Club World Cup campaign with a win over Los Angeles FC.
The Blues finished the season with eight wins in their last nine games, securing the Conference League title in the process, whereas LAFC are barely keeping pace in the MLS Western Conference.
The Californians are at least playing in their home country and striker Denis Bouanga poses a threat along with former Blues centre-forward Olivier Giroud, who is a danger off the bench, so a Chelsea win and both teams to score appeals at 15/8.
Boca Juniors vs Benfica (Miami, Monday 11pm BST)
This contest could be crucial in determining who progresses from Group C and a tentative affair could be on the cards in Miami.
Benfica's Primeira Liga campaign was not their best and, while Vangelis Pavlidis is a capable striker, their link-up play in the attacking third has been lacking all season. Their average of 1.75 goals per game in the Champions League, meanwhile, shows there is room for offensive improvement.
Boca are a physical side who are likely to rely on counter-attacks but they have also underwhelmed in the final third of late and under 2.5 goals is the best bet at 4/5, having clicked in four of the South American side's last five games.
Flamengo vs ES Tunis (Philadelphia, Tuesday 2am BST)
Flamengo are worth keeping an eye on in this new-look Club World Cup. Top of Brazil's Serie A and in the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores, they are enjoying a terrific season and can lay down a marker with a comfortable win over their Tunisian opponents.
Experienced figures Danilo and Jorginho have just been added to a side known for their flying full-backs and the creative spark of midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta and they sit 78th in the world in the Opta Power Rankings, with ES Tunis in 255th.
That suggests this could be a one-sided affair and Flamengo are worth a bet at -1 goal on the handicap at 10/11, having won by two goals or more in three of their last four fixtures.
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