Champions League Preview and Odds - Benfica vs Napoli

Published on: 06/12/2016

Champions League Preview and Odds - Benfica vs Napoli

December 06, 2016 19:45pm - Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Referee: Antonio Mateu

Champions League - Group Stage

Benfica and Napoli will both seek to secure progression to the knockout stages of the Champions League when they go head to head in Lisbon on Tuesday night. However, with third-ranked Besiktas also in the equation, there could be plenty of twists and turns in Group B.

Three into two wont go in Group B

Group B of the Champions League remains finely poised with three team vying for two qualification spots going into the last round of matches.

Benfica are level on eight points with visitors Napoli, while Turkish side Besiktas are just a point further back. A draw would see the Italians through but could eliminate the Portuguese side if the Besiktas win away to Dynamo Kiev.

Rui Vitoria`s men have a decent record at home in this competition, having lost just one of their last nine. That defeat came against Spanish side Atletico Madrid a year ago. On the domestic front, they have lost just two of their last 73 matches at home in the league. However, they come into this game on the back of a 2-1 defeat away to Maritimo which left them just two points clear of Sporting at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Napoli have endured a dip in form in recent weeks and will be looking for a positive result to give their season a boost. They have won just four of their last 12 matches in all competitions and have not won any of their last three Champions League ties.

Despite their slight stumble, the Italians remain well poised in Group B and need just a point to progress to the next round. They come into this game on the back of a 3-0 victory over Inter in Serie A.

Team news

The home side will be without Eliseu, Andre Horta, Alex Grimaldo and Jonas.

Meanwhile, Arkadiusz Milik is still unavailable for the visitors.

Recent form (All competitions)

Benfica: LWDWW

Arsenal: WLWDD

Betting odds and tips

With just a point needed to progress, Maurizio Sarris may be tempted to take a more cautious approach in this game. Benfica are strong at home and can be expected to enjoy plenty of possession.

If the game plays out this way, the home side should be favourites to snatch the win.

You can back the Home Win at a price of 31/20 with Bet365

By Neil Morris

Published on: 06/12/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (06/12/2016 14:36:05) but are subject to change.