Mexican side Pachuca play Austria's Red Bull Salzburg from Group H. Flashscore's football writer Frank Monkhouse gives his preview and expert predictions on Wednesday evening's game.
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Pachuca v RB Salzburg Tips
Both teams to score @ 3/4 (bet365)
Both score and Pachuca win @ 5/1 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Pick of a four-match programme
Wednesday offers football fanatics, armchair fans and bettors another busy day in the United States. There are four matches from the Club World Cup, with kick-off times staggered between 02:00 and 23:00 GMT. There's lots to get excited about and even more to bet on.
We focus on the match at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, where Liga MX side Pachuca faces Austrian Bundesliga runners-up RB Salzburg. There's all to play for here. Most trusted pundits expect Real Madrid to advance as group winners after three rounds, leaving the second qualifying spot up for grabs.
Which team will grab an early win? The current odds available at online sportsbook giant bet365 favour the Red Bulls, but we've already witnessed some interesting results in the opening rounds of this competition. Could the Mexicans upset the odds? You can place your bets now.
Here are all my first-round predictions in one place.
Gophers rely on experience
Followers of the Club World Cup will know all about Pachuca's strengths and weaknesses. The Mexican team, known as the Gophers, makes its sixth appearance and hopes to use that experience to ensure they hit the ground running in the revamped format. Their best effort so far is a third-place finish. Will they improve on that this summer?
The team from Hidalgo secured their spot in this summer's festival of football by winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. In the final, they beat Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew to snatch their sixth gong. A major player in the region, Pachuca wants to show they can mix it with the best from Europe and beyond.
The Gophers' experience playing in the previous version of the Club World Cup puts them in good standing, and they enter as a genuine contender. Pachuca will enjoy a strong support inside the stadium, and they're a good bet to get off to a winning start. Their odds are much better than expected.
Tip: Pachuca win @ 7/4 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Pachuca beats RB Salzburg, your bet wins.
Salzburg hope to seize their chance
RB Salzburg secured their spot in the 2025 Club World Cup as the ninth-best-ranked team in the UEFA four-year ranking. The Austrians make their first appearance in this tournament and hope to hit the ground running. They finished second in the Austrian Bundesliga behind defending champions Sturm Graz. Red Bull hold their own in elite company or prove out of their league?
Despite missing out on the title, the Red Bulls finished the domestic season in fine form, winning each of their last two games. Salzburg beat Blau Weiss Linz 2-1 on the road and wrapped things up with an impressive 4-2 home in over Rapid Vienna. The squad has since enjoyed almost a month preparing for this game, meaning they should be fit, fully rested and ready.
Taking a closer look at the stats we note Red Bull Salzburg scored 11 goals in their previous five games. That gives bettors encouragement ahead of Wednesday evening's showdown. But it's important to know the free-scoring side conceded nine in the same period. I trust them to score, but am confident they'll also concede.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 3/4 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If both teams find the net at least once each, your bet wins.
Take the enhanced odds
Now we have our two main bets for the game - Pachuca to win and both teams to score - we'll shoot for a big return by combining both picks.
When trawling through the pre-match betting odds, I noticed bet365 enhanced the odds of both teams to score in a Pachuca win from 9/2 to 5/1, and I suggest claiming your share. Goals look likely in this match, with the Mexicans and Austrians eager to get off to a winning start. Sharing Group H with Real Madrid and Al Hilal ensure points won't be won easy this month. Wednesday represents these teams best chance of claiming a victory.
The odds are generous, and the bet ensures you'll be cheering every attack hoping for a goal. You can keep your stakes low and boost your enjoyment of the match by following my pick and backing Pachuca to win, but Red Bull Sazlburg to continue their scoring streak by finding the net at least once in the 90 minutes.
Tip: Pachuca win and both score @ 5/1 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Pachuca must win the match, but you need RB Salzburg to score at least one goal to secure a profit.
Players to watch
Here are some potential match-winners to look out for on Wednesday in Cincinnati:
Oscar Gloukh - RB Salzburg
Salomon Rondon - Pachuca
Nene Dorgeles - RB Salzburg
John Kennedy - Pachuca
Pachuca v RB Salzburg odds
RB Salzburg win @ 7/5 (bet365)
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.