UEFA Champions League: Benica vs. Juventus Preview, Odds, Prediction

Benfica hosts Juventus in the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League, boosted by Friday’s win over its archenemy – Porto. The Eagles will try to use the momentum following this triumph and attack the Italians, who aren’t near the expected level this season. Juventus posted a victory as well, but overall, the Old Lady underachieved the whole time since the start of the campaign. Benfica is after the first place in Group H, and Juve is trying to reach them, or at last, keep the third place and the UEFA Europa League ticket.

Preview

Benfica (-105) was better than Porto on the road, as Rafa Silva scored a goal in the 72nd minute of the game. They cleverly used the fact that Porto had a deficit of players on the field, after Eustaqio’s red card in the first half.

It was the 19th straight game in which Benfica didn’t lose. They are still unbeaten in this campaign, presenting impressive football, and keeping the pace extremely high. Though, in recent times, they have shown insecurity in the back line, allowing at least a goal in four straight events before the one at Dragao.

The Eagles played nine games at La Luz, winning eight and having one draw. In all the victories, Benfica netted at least twice, in six of them delivered three or more hits.

Juventus (+275) has back-to-back victories right now. The first was against Torino in the city derby, 0-1, and the second over Empoli this Friday, 4-0. Previously, Massimo Allegri’s crew lost to AC Milan and Maccabi Haifa, both with the same result, 2-0.

The Old Lady is highly inconsistent this season, showing numerous problems in the back line. Over the past 10 games, they allowed at least two scores, which is awful for a team of their reputation.

As for the games on the road, Juventus has just one win this year, and that was against Torino. Previously, Old Lady had two draws and then four straight wins before snapping that cold streak.

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Lucas Verissimo and Morato didn’t play in Porto, and they will be a game-time decision against Juve.

Juventus is in problems, with Ake, Bremer, Pogba, Di Maria, De Sciglio, Chiesa, Peeters and Kaio Jorge are all out. The especially big problem is Bremer’s and Di Maria’s injuries.

Head to Head Games

The Eagles won the game in Turin on September 14, 1-2. Juventus got the lead through Milik, but Joao Mario leveled until halftime. Ten minutes into the second half, Neres set the final result, shocking the hosts, who couldn’t manage to recover until the end. Furthermore, Benfica was better.

Prediction

We should see at least three goals here. Juventus’ defense is weak, and that is no secret, and the only chance for them to take points here is through offense. On the other hand, the hosts will attack, as they did in all the previous contests at La Luz. Therefore, three or more goals here are expected. The odds for that are currently set at -110, which is good. The secondary pick would be over 1.5 goals in the second half at +100.

Pick: Over 1.5 goals -110

Here are more UEFA Champions League previews: 

• RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid
• Ajax vs. Liverpool
• Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Manchester City