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Manchester United are undeniably favourites to top the group, but with CSKA Moscow and Basel providing the other competition the Portuguese Champions will feel confident about their ability to make it through.
Benfica managed just that last season as they finished 2nd in their group before getting knocked out by Borussia Dortmund, and they made it to the quarter finals the season before. They are regulars in the latter stages of European competition, so they are definitely a side to be watched closely.
So far, their season has started off rather well, despite the loss of some of their key players over the summer. Goalkeeper Ederson, defenders Victor Lindelof and Nelson Semedo, and striker Konstantinos Mitroglou left for a combined fee of over £100 million, and whilst they have brought in some players none of the transfer fees exceed £10 million. Still, they won the Portuguese Super Cup at the start of August and have won four of their five league games so far.
CSKA Moscow have already seen plenty of action this season to make way for their lengthy winter break. They have played 13 competitive games, winning ten, drawing one, and losing three. Four of these games have been in the Champions League qualifiers, and whilst they have comfortably beaten AEK Athens and Young Boys the Portuguese giants will pose a much bigger threat.
The Russians’ history in Europe isn’t terrible, but they are on a lower tier than Benfica. They regularly make the group stages, but haven’t made it out of the groups since 2011, and they have lost six of their last nine trips away in the competition.
CSKA have managed to score in seven of their last ten away days in the competition, but have only kept two clean sheets and come up against a Benfica side who have scored in each of their last nine home Champions League games. The hosts don’t boast the best defence though, so odds of 11/10 for Both Teams to Score look fantastic value. We’re going for that along with a 2-1 win for the hosts at 15/2.
As for the goalscorer predictions it’s hard to look beyond Benfica’s star striker Jonas. The 33 year old Brazilian has already notched six league goals this season in just five appearances, so backing him to find the net looks a good choice.
HEAD TO HEAD
CSKA Moscow have won one and drawn one of their two previous meetings with Benfica, although these did both come way back in 2005.
BENFICA VS CSKA MOSCOW STATS
Benfica have scored in 100% of their last nine Champions League home games, and come up against a CSKA Moscow side who have conceded in 80% of their last ten away days in the competition. The visitors have scored themselves in 70% of these though.
BENFICA TEAM NEWS
Centre back Jardel and holding midfielder Ljubomir Fejsa are expected to miss out through injury here.
CSKA MOSCOW TEAM NEWS![benfica-predictions.jpg]
Left winger Aleksandr Makarov will miss out as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery.
Tell me bellow in a comment if you want the betting tips and we can discuss it.