Manchester United vs Benfica - Champions League Group Stage

Published on: 30/10/2017

Manchester United vs Benfica - Champions League Group Stage

October 31, 2017 19:45pm - Old Trafford

Champions League Group Stage

Manchester United can take positives and negatives from a busy two-week schedule which saw them pick up just four points from three Premier League matches, scrape a narrow win in Benfica and progress to the next round of the League Cup. The low point of that run was a 2-1 league defeat away to newly-promoted Huddersfield while the highlight was undoubtedly Saturday`s 1-0 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils were by no means dominant in the last game between these two sides so the Portuguese side will arrive here with some hope of getting a result. Even in the win over Spurs, there were signs that the Manchester club are not yet fully confident in their own ability against top class opposition.

In Europe, they have been more confident, winning all three of their game while conceding just one goal in the process. A total of eight strikes at the other end has ensured that they sit comfortably at the top of their group with a three-point cushion over second-ranked Basel. The English side could book their place in the knockout stages if they win and CSKA Moscow do not beat Basel in the group`s other game.

Benfica have failed to live up to expectations in this group and will be looking to restore some pride here while also keeping their European options open. With zero points on the board, the best they can hope for now is third place and a spot in the Europa League.

Their away record in this competition does not make great reading with one win, a draw and four defeats in their last six games. At domestic level, they are currently third in the league. Five points adrift of leaders Porto.

Recent form (all competitions)

Manchester United: WWLWD

Benfica: WWLWD

Betting odds and tips

Manchester United`s defense has been rock solid at home, so we shouldn`t expect any upsets here. Benfica drew a blank in Basel and shipped five goals, but they will be determined not to fall so heavily here. However, the home side can be expected to more adventurous than in the last game and a win to nil by two goals or more should be expected.

You can back Manchester United to win to nil at 21/20 with bet365.

By Neil Morris