Benfica VS Manchester United Match Prediction

Manchester United have played Benfica six times now, with quite a bit of success coming their way.  They have three wins, two draws, and a loss against the Portuguese side.  Here's a look at the last five results:    

Nov 22, 2011: United 2-2 Benfica
Sep 14, 2011: Benfica 1-1 United
Dec 6, 2006: United 3-1 Benfica
Sep 26, 2006: Benfica 0-1 United
Dec 7, 2005: Benfica 2-1 United

%HEAD-TO-HEAD-STATS-BANNER%

Benfica vs Man United Betting Tips and Odds

Bet365 have the following odds available for this match:

Benfica are at 15/4 to win, a draw is at 13/5, and a Manchester United win is at ¾.

There is a lot of trouble at the moment for Benfica, so it's no surprise whatsoever to see United given the favorites tag for this match.  Even after 'parking the bus' at Liverpool, they will be expected to win in Portugal here.

Benfica don't look to be in very good form at the moment, and they look to be very much devoid of confidence.  This is especially the case when you consider how badly they were beaten by Basel, a team United comfortably eased past.  While you can't always assume it will be the same when an opponent has played so much better against a common foe, it's a decent shout in this instance.

United got a win away in Moscow last time out, and very easily as well, so that will breed a lot of confidence for them.  That's the inverse of Benfica, and they will know they also have what it takes to get any result they need. This is the case after they showed they could grind out a point, as they did against Liverpool.

One link between the teams worthy of mention is that United signed defender Vincent Lindelof from Benfica in the summer.  He's not been much for them as of yet, but it has deprived Benfica of an option in the middle of their defence.  

Manchester United -1 is at 2/1.

Benfica vs Man United Prediction

United reverse the trend of late of drawing with Benfica and get a nice win to remain in charge.  

Correct Score Prediction: Benfica 0-2 Man United

Team News

Rui Vitoria will be without right back Andre Almeida after his red card led to a suspension last time out at Basel.  Defensive midfielder Andreas Samaris has been serving a suspension in Portugal, but he will be free to return for this match.  Striker Haris Seferovic was rested at the weekend, so he should be fresh and roaring to go from the start.  

Key Man

Despite all of the money spent on new signings in the summer, it's an old face that continues to pace them in the way of goals.  Jonas has nine in the league to lead them easily, but they need Haris Seferovic to step up for them.  He's scored their lone goal so far in the UCL this term, a goal in Moscow, but it did not prove to be enough to give his side a point.  After disappointing slightly for his country Switzerland, he will be asked to do better here.  

Team Form

Benfica have two wins, two draws, and a loss in their last five matches:

0-1 win at Olhanense (Cup)
1-1 draw at Maritimo
5-0 loss at Basel (UCL)
2-0 home win vs Pacos de Ferreira
1-1 draw vs Braga (Cup)

Benfica Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 4-4-2

Team News

Jose Mourinho is going to be without center midfielder Paul Pogba, center back Marcos Rojo, and striker Zlatan for quite some time now.  Center midfielder Maroune Fellaini looks set to miss out as well.  Michael Carrick might be available to play through a calf problem, if needed.  

Key Man

There wasn't much to entertain about United's performance at Anfield on Saturday, and it was partially down to poor play from the wings.  But that should be fixed in this match as Marcus Rashford will surely return as a starter.  The English youngster has a great engine about him, and he has been capable of carrying them on his shoulders in Europe in the past already.  He has one goal in the UCL so far, and he might just fancy the chance to add to that in this match.  

Team Form

United have a draw and four wins in their last five matches:

0-0 draw at Liverpool
4-0 home win vs Crystal Palace
1-4 win at CSKA Moscow
0-1 win at Southampton
4-1 home win vs Burton Albion (EFL Cup)

Man United Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 4-2-3-1
 

Manchester United have started so well in the Champions League so far that you wouldn't even realize they had been gone from the competition if you didn't know any better. Two comprehensive victories have taken them atop the table, while hosts Benfica have been very disappointing thus far. With a win, United could effectively stomp out any chance of Benfica progressing, as it would mean they would have zero points out of nine. United will get the win to do just that.

Benfica have just one win in six against United, but the last two group stage meetings ended in draws.