Manchester United host Benfica on Tuesday night looking to tighten their grip on Group A. Jose Mourinho’s side have won all three of their games so far in this season’s Champions League campaign and they could qualify on Tuesday night with a victory, if other results go their way. Benfica on the other hand, currently find themselves rooted to the bottom of Group A, having lost all three of their games so far, scoring just once in the process. Manchester United only narrowly beat Benfica when these sides met two weeks ago on a night when it took a late Marcus Rashford strike to seal an unconvincing win for Mourinho’s side.
Champions League – Old Trafford, Manchester, England – Tuesday, 31st October, 2017 – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 15/4 at Ladbrokes |
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Manchester United
Benfica LisboaManchester United
Manchester United got back to winning ways on Saturday with a massive 1-0 win over title rivals Tottenham Hotspur. It took a late goal from Anthony Martial to seal the victory on another day where Mourinho’s side appeared to lack ideas going forward. The win was vital though, considering the recent draw with Liverpool and the shock defeat to Huddersfield Town which had left them five points behind rivals Manchester City in the title race. Mourinho has no fresh injury concerns heading into the game, but Paul Pogba, Maraoune Fellaini and Michael Carrick will all be missing from the midfield again.
Benfica
Benfica have won both of their matches since these two sides met, beating both Aves and Feirense in the league. Despite their poor performances in the Champions League this season, Benfica have lost just once in domestic football in Portugal and currently lie third in the table, five points off top. Brazilian duo Jardel and Douglas Pereira are both doubts heading into the clash with muscle and ankle injuries respectively.
Talking Points
1. Manchester United and Benfica have the exact opposite records this season in the Champions League (P3, W3, GF 8, GA 1 vs P3, L3, GF 1, GA 8).
2. Romelu Lukaku has gone five games without finding the net and the big Belgian will be desperate to change that on Tuesday night.
3. Manchester United can qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League on Tuesday night if they win and CSKA Moscow fail to beat Basel.
Prediction
Manchester United have huffed and puffed a little in recent weeks and they certainly appear to be missing Paul Pogba’s drive from midfield. Despite that, I can see them beating a fairly poor Benfica side at Old Trafford on Tuesday and Mourinho will be hoping that his side can build on the win against Tottenham Hotspur with another big win in this one.
Betting Tips (Ladbrokes)
Manchester United start this game as big 4/11 favourites to pick up the win, whilst an away win for Benfica is priced up at 9/1 with the draw 15/4. Manchester United are available at 1/1 to Win to Nil and I think that looks great value considering how solid their backline is and how poor Benfica looked in attack in the last game between these sides.
Manchester United to win to Nil – 1/1 (Ladbrokes)