Benfica vs FC Astana Prediction and Preview – 15/09/15
Champions League preview – Benfica vs FC Astana prediction
The only real injury concern for Benfica manager Rui Vitoria is Eduardo Salvio, who will definitely miss the match through injury. Otherwise, there are no real injury or suspension worries for Benfica and they may stick with much the same team which thrashed Belenses on the weekend 6-0.
FC Astana are still without Patrick Twumasi, who is serving a suspension following his dismissal against HJK in the qualification rounds. With no other suspension or injury concerns, manager Stanimir Stoilov has an almost complete squad to pick from.
Possible Line-ups
Benfica: 4-4-2 formation: Cesar; Silvio, Jardel, Luisao, Eliseu; Guedes, Samaris, Talisca, Gaitan; Jonas, Mitroglou
FC Astana: 4-4-2 formation: Eric; Anicic, Akhmetov, Postnikov, Ilic; Kethevoama, Zhukov, Muzhikov, Canas; Kalonji, Dzolchiev
Statistics
- Benfica have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 5 of their last 10 matches
- FC Astana have won 7, drawn 2 and lost 1 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Benfica have scored an average of 1.6 goals and conceded an average of 1.2 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, FC Astana have scored an average of 1.7 goals and conceded an average of 1 goal per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Benfica’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of FC Astana’s previous 10 matches
- This will be the first time a club from Kazakhstan has been in the group stages of the Champions League
Prediction
Benfica enjoyed a confidence boosting 6-0 win in their domestic league on the weekend and will be coming in to this Champions League group match knowing they need to get off to a good start. The team have been scoring goals and other than the disappointing 1-0 away defeat to Arouca, Vitoria will be generally pleased with their start of the season.
As for the visitors, FC Astana will be making history for Kazakh club football in this game and come in to it with little pressure. They will not be expected to make any real progression in the competition and this may allow them to play with a little more freedom than their hosts. Currently sitting second in their domestic league, Astana have not tasted defeat in 9 games in all competitions.
If Benfica get an early goal, it could be a tough night for Astana, however, they should not be underestimated and could come away with a point, if they can keep things tight in the first half.
Tips
Benfica to win and over 2.5 goals at 17/25 – Click here to bet with Unibet
Benfica to win and both teams to score at 14/5 – Click here to bet with Unibet
Draw at 11/2 – Click here to bet with Unibet
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