Benfica vs Atletico Madrid Prediction and Preview – 08/12/15
Champions League preview – Benfica vs Atletico Madrid prediction
Midfielder Nicolas Gaitan is eligible to play for Benfica after serving a one-match suspension from the competition against Astana. Brazilian centre back Luisao is out with a broken arm along with right back Nelson Semedo and midfielder Ljubomir Fejsa who have been on the injured list since October.
Atletico Madrid Diego Simeone coach will decide whether to replace Jesus Gamez who has had a good spell at right back lately with Champions League regular Juanfran. Midfielder Tiago Mendes is on a long road to recovery from a broken tibia and there is no confirmed return date for Colombian striker Jackson Fernandez.
Possible Line-ups
Benfica: 4-4-2 formation: Julio Cesar; Almeida, Jardel, Lopez, Eliseu; Guedes, Talisca, Samiris, Gaitan; Brighi, Destro, Brienza
Atletico Madrid: 4-4-2 formation: Oblak; Gamez, Gimenez, Godin, Luis; Carrasco, Saul, Gabi, Koke; Torres, Griezman
Statistics
- Benfica have won 6, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Atletico Madrid have won 8, drawn 2 and lost 0 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Benfica have scored an average of 1.9 goals and conceded an average of 1 goal per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Atletico Madrid have scored an average of 1.6 goals and conceded an average of 0.3 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Benfica’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 3 of Atletico Madrid’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
Benfica won the reverse fixture 2-1 in Madrid meaning a draw will be enough for the Portuguese champions to win the group. Rui Vitoria’s side is currently third in the Primeira Liga having lost the games that matter to title rivals Sporting CP and Porto. Benfica will be confident they can get the required result but will have to step up against the Spanish side that is carrying a lot of momentum.
Atletico Madrid have the foundation to stifle Benfica having kept 11 clean sheets in the last 14 Champions League matches and have not conceded away from home so far in this season’s competition. Simeone’s men are undefeated since losing the reverse fixture and go into this game looking to extend a six game win streak.
Benfica goalkeeper Julio Cesar was outstanding when the sides met in September but Atletico Madrid can atone for wasting their chances by taking the win required to finish top of Group C.
Tips
Atletico Madrid to win at 13/10 with bet365
Atletico Madrid to win to nil at 5/2 with Sky Bet
Atletico Madrid to win 2-0 at 21/2 with 888sport
What are your predictions?
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