Manchester United host Benfica at Old Trafford next week, with Jose Mourinho’s men requiring just a single point to confirm their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. The Red Devils defeated the Portuguese champions in Lisbon just a week ago, with the Premier League side being the firm favourites to register another three points.
Champions League – Old Trafford, Manchester – Wednesday 31st October – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5 at Coral |
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Manchester United
BenficaMatch Preview: Manchester United vs Benfica
With United having won all three of their Champions League matches to date, as well as the fact that Benfica are still searching for their first point, it comes as little surprise that the it is the Premier League side who are the favourites for victory. With Mourinho’s side having narrowly won in Portugal last week thanks to a Marcus Rashford goal, the home side will be hoping to be more convincing in front of their home support. With a variety of betting markets surrounding this match, let’s take a closer look at the two teams for those interested in placing a bet.
Manchester United Team News & Form
United suffered a shock defeat to Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town at the weekend, with defender Phil Jones adding to Jose Mourinho’s list of worries. Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimović are almost certainly ruled out of the encounter with Benfica, while the likes of Eric Bailly, Marouane Fellaini and Marcos Rojo could return in time.
United have scored eight goals in their three matches, conceding just one in the process. It is such a record that means the three-time European champions are the firm favourites for victory at Old Trafford next week. Both Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof could start against their former club once again.
Benfica Team News & Form
A costly error from young goalkeeper Mile Svilar saw Benfica miss out on any points against United in Lisbon last week, with manager Rui Vitória having a decision to make regarding who lines up in between the sticks in Manchester. Former Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur stopper Julio Cesar could well return to the starting eleven. Forward Jonas could well start in an attacking position for the visitors, with the Brazilian having come off the bench at the Estadio da Luz last week.
Meanwhile, Captain Luisao will miss out having been sent off in the latter stages in Lisbon.
Head to Head
Before last week’s clash in Lisbon, where United ran out narrow 1-0 winners, the two teams had met on six occasions since 2005, with Benfica having recorded just one victory over United in such matches. The duo met in the Champions League back in 2011 however, with two score draws being played out. United’s last away win over Benfica came back in 2006.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite not being in the best form heading into this match, it comes as little surprise that United are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Bookmakers 10Bet offer Mourinho’s men odds of 3/10, while the visitors can be backed at 9/1 with the same bookmakers. Elsewhere, those looking to bet on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes can get odds of 8/11 at William Hill.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on United to keep a clean sheet, which can be found at best odds of 4/5 at Ladbrokes.