Atletico Madrid vs Benfica Prediction and Preview – 30/09/15
Champions League preview – Atletico Madrid vs Benfica prediction
Atletico Madrid are without Koke and Oliver Torres for the visit of Benfica. With that in mind, Diego Simeone could opt to give starts to Angel Correa and Saul in midfield. Fernando Torres, Jackson Martinez and Luciano Vietto are all competing for a place in attack, alongside Antoine Griezmann.
Benfica manager Rui Vitoria, has the luxury of a fully fit squad, with no suspensions, to pick his team from. Therefore, Benfica could go with the same starting XI which did well on the weekend, defeating Pacos 3-0 in the Portuguese Primeira League.
Possible Line-ups
Atletico Madrid: 4-4-2 formation: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Correa, Gabi, Tiago, Saul; Martinez, Griezmann
Benfica: 4-1-3-2 formation: Cesar; Nelsinho, Jardel, Luisao, Eliseu; Samaris; Talisca, Guedes, Gaitan; Jonas, Mitroglou
Statistics
- Atletico Madrid have won 7, drawn 1 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Benfica have won 5, drawn 1 and lost 4 of their last 10 matches
- 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
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Benfica have scored an average of 1.8 goals and conceded an average of 0.8 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 3 of Atletico Madrid’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Benfica’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
Atletico Madrid came away from Galatasaray with all 3 points on match day one of the Champions League. Diego Simeone’s team have won 21 of their last 24 European home matches and will be very confident of getting their second win in the group. With a double-header against Astana coming up next, a win here will leave Atletico in great shape for qualification.
Benfica started their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 home win over group minnows FC Astana. The trip to the Vicente Calderon is going to be a much tougher test and Benfica have won just 1 of their last 12 Champions League games away from home. Benfica have played just 2 away matches so far this season and have lost them both 1-0.
Despite the fact Atletico lost at Villarreal on the weekend, everything points towards a home win.
Tips
Atletico to win at 11/20 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Atletico to win by 2 goals at 10/3 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Griezmann to score anytime and Atletico to win 2-0 at 8/1 – Click here to bet with Bet365
What are your predictions?
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