Spartak Moscow v Benfica predictions

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Spartak Moscow v Benfica predictions Champions League Uefa, International	23/10/2012 18:00	total goals	Over 2.5 Goals	1.95	Bet at Stan James
Betting prediction was written by Anton

SPARTAK MOSCOW V BENFICA PREDICTIONS AND PREVIEW: STATS AND FACTS

Spartak Moscow has had a very poor season by their standards so far and sits just 7^th in the Russian top league on 19 points after 12 games.  They are 10 points behind leaders Anzhi and need to turn around their fortunes quickly if they are to catch up.  Their last 2 matches have been defeats to rivals CSKA and Anzhi and with 5 losses from 12 matches, it just isn’t good enough.  Spartak’s Champions League form has been no better losing both their group stage matches so far, away at Barcelona and at home to Celtic.  The Celtic result especially is a game they have to win if they are to have any chance of progressing and now they are playing catchup from bottom of the group.

Benfica has had a strong start to the league and sit on 14 points from 6 matches, even with rivals Porto.  They have won 4 of their last 5 league matches, with all 5 finishing in over 2.5 goals.  Their Champions League form has not been too strong though with just 1 point from 2 games, the lone point coming from a 0-0 draw away at Celtic where they were 2^nd best for most of the match.

RUN OF PLAY AND TEAM NEWS

Spartak need to change something quickly as their season is slipping away from them with 3 losses in a row.  Biggest signing of the summer Romulo who signed for €8m from Vasco de Gama has made just 4 starts this year, a lot was expected from him so it’ll be interesting to see if he can have an effect going forward.  The lack of one player taking hold of the team is troubling for Spartak, their top goalscorer Emenike has just 4 league goals in 11 appearances.

Benfica have really started the season well in what could have been a difficult year for them.  They lost their best player Axel Witsel after the transfer window had closed and couldn’t bring in a replacement but don’t seem to have missed him too much. Their strikers have been in great form so far with their top 3 attackers having 11 goals in just 13 appearances between them.

SPARTAK MOSCOW V BENFICA PREDICTIONS: 1X2 BETTING PREVIEW

Despite being the away team Benfica are favourites for the win.  They have found their form early this season and will feel the Spartak team is vulnerable after with their poor recent form.

I think the 2.6 on offer by William Hill for a Benfica win is a strong bet and will be going there to back it.

SPARTAK MOSCOW - BENFICA PREDICTIONS: ASIAN HANDICAP PREVIEW

If you are bullish on Benfica but want to lower the risk of the bet then the Asian handicap market gives us a strong option.

We can back Benfica +0, ie draw no bet, which will return out stake if the match ends in a draw.  Pinnacle are best priced for this at a nice 1.86, which is very tempting.

SPARTAK MOSCOW - BENFICA PREDICTIONS: TOTAL GOALS PREVIEW

4 of Spartak’s last 5 matches have ended with over 2.5 goals and they have conceded in all 5.  Benfica have had 4 of their last 5 matches end with over 2.5 goals and are in fine scoring form with back to back 4-0 wins.

The over is a very small favourite and I think the 1.95 on offer at Stan James for Over 2.5 Goals is an excellent bet and one I’ll be backing!

SPARTAK MOSCOW V BENFICA PREDICTIONS AND PREVIEW: THE END

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this match prediction and it has given you some ideas on what to bet on for this game.  Follow the rest of our predictions here.

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