Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.
As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.
Benfica v Chelsea
Champions League
KO 19:45, Sky Sports 2
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HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
Never previously met
PREVIEW
Chelsea’s 5-4 aggregate win over Napoli was one of the most memorable European nights at Stamford Bridge, but the past two performances demonstrates that the side are still a long way off their best. A 2-1 defeat at Man City and a goalless draw at home to Tottenham ended Roberto Di Matteo’s superb start.
Di Matteo won his first away game in charge of the Blues, but the manner of the defeat at the Etihad Stadium means they’ll head to Benfica with plenty of doubts. After scoring twice against Leicester in the FA Cup, Fernando Torres has failed to do so again and found himself as an unused sub on Saturday.
Benfica will go into tonight’s clash second in the league to their great rivals Porto by only a point. The Portuguese club could only manage a goalless draw against Olhanense at the weekend, although half an eye will have been on this first leg. Benfica have once again been excellent at home and the hosts have been beaten just once in 12 home league games. That run includes 11 victories and Jorge Jesus’ side are unbeaten in ten European home ties at the Estádio da Luz.
Ramires and David Luiz both plied their trade at Benfica before coming to West London and they’ll be keen to make a mark on their return. David Luiz will have a tough evening ahead if he’s to keep Oscar Cardozo quiet as he’s scored seven times in five appearances when facing English clubs.
Benfica were able to rest starman Pablo Aimar on the weekend and with home advantage I fancy them to head into the second leg with a lead.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back Benfica at around 2.54: 4 points
Monday’s Return: -6.00 points
MARCH RETURN TO DATE: +23.47
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