Benfica - Barcelona predictions

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Benfica - Barcelona predictions Champions League Uefa, International	02/10/2012 20:45	full time result	Barcelona Win	1.62	Bet at William Hill
Betting prediction was written by Anton

BENFICA – BARCELONA PREDICTIONS AND PREVIEW: BETTING STATS

Benfica are undefeated through 6 games in all competitions this season. They are top of the Primeira Liga with 11 points after 5 games, level on points with rivals Porto. They have scored 14 goals in those 5 games and conceded 5. Their first Champions League game was a 0-0 draw away at Celtic where they will be pleased they got away without a loss after being outplayed.

Barcelona have continued to be perfect in la liga with 6 wins out of 6. They had to come from 2 goals behind however in their weekend game at Seville and only won it thanks to a 89^th minute equalisor from Fabregas and a David Villa win in the 93^rd minute. They have pushed their luck at times this year but their never give up attitude has won them some very important points.

TEAM NEWS AND RUN OF PLAY

The biggest news for Benfica last month was the loss of Axel Witsel who moved to Zenit for an astonishing €40m. Due to the timing of the transfer the window was already closed in Portugal and no replacement could be brought in so the team will have to do until at least January without bringing someone in. Since then Benfica have played 3 matches and drawn 2 of them, winning the latest 2-1. It is difficult to say if that transfer has led to a drop in form or if it is coincidence but they will need to improve if they are to keep pace with Porto in Primeira Liga.

Barcelona have been without influential midfielder Andres Iniesta for the past few matches due to a thigh strain but he should be back to full fitness soon. In the meantime a player such as Cesc Fabregas isn’t a bad replacement! David Villa is also almost back at full fitness and has made numerous appearances from the bench and has scored some very important goals already. Expect him to start a match soon. The big problem for Barcelona this season is central defence where Pique and Puyol, the first choice central pairing for both Barcelona and Spain, are both out injured. Covering for them in the past few matches has been Mascherano and Song, who are central midfielders firstly and can often be caught out of position.

BENFICA – BARCELONA PREDICTIONS: 1X2 BETTING PREVIEW

Like almost every match, Barcelona are strong favourites here. I believe there is still value to be had at their top price of 1.62 with William Hill. Despite their injuries the 11 players they will put on the field are far better than almost every team in Europe today and should have enough for a comfortable win.

Visit William Hill for the best odds for a Barcelona win!

BENFICA – BARCELONA PREDICTIONS: ASIAN HANDICAP PREVIEW

Barcelona are given a full goal advantage in the AH market. This is normal for them, even away from home but they have only won 3 games of their 9 competitive matches by 2 or more goals.

Despite this I think the Benfica defence has looked frail enough this season that Barcelona should manage to score a few goals and will be going to Pinnacle to back Barcelona -1 @ 2.07.

BENFICA – BARCELONA PREDICTIONS: TOTAL GOALS PREVIEW

Of the last 10 games involving these teams just 2 have ended in under 2.5 Goals. Both teams know how to find the net and have also made mistakes at the back this year.

I think you’ve got to stick with the over here and Pinnacle are out best bet again at 1.73.

Have a look at our book review on Pinnacle before you sign up.