Chelsea v Benfica – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Blues saw 12-match unbeaten league run at Stamford Bridge ended on Saturday. Enzo Maresca’s side lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich on matchday one and a need a victory against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have not had a strong start to the season. After a round one home draw vs Crystal Palace, they won 5-1 at West Ham in a fine display. A 2-0 win over Fulham before the international break, was followed by a 2-2 draw at Brentford as they leaked a late goal.

The Blues began their Champions League journey with a 3-1 loss away to Bayern Munich as they were outclassed. Two poor league losses have followed with red cards in both defeats. A 2-1 loss at Man Utd and a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton came either side of a 2-1 Carabao Cup win at League Two side Lincoln City.

Chelsea Team News

The Blues are set to be without Cole Palmer for this one. Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo are injured in defence but Benoit Badiashile is fit to play.

Wesley Fofana is ruled out with concussion but Trevoh Chalobah is available. Liam Delap remains absent in the forward line whilst Joao Pedro is a doubt in attack.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea can’t afford to drop any points having lost their European opener. Only a win will do in this one.

A great atmosphere is expected with the return of Mourinho. The Blues will try to attack from the start and look to play a high tempo.

Benfica Form

Benfica sit third in the Liga Portugal table with five wins and two draws in seven matches. They collapsed last season, drawing their final two league matches and losing in the Portuguese Cup final. They were knocked out in the Club World Cup last-16 after a 4-1 loss to Chelsea. After a 1-1 draw in round four at home to Santa Clara and 3-2 home loss to Qarabag in the Champions League, Bruno Lage was sacked as coach with Jose Mourinho replacing him.

The legendary coach oversaw a 3-0 win at AVS Futebol SAD before drawing 1-1 at home to Rio Ave as they leaked in the last minute. On Friday, they beat Gil Vicente 2-1 at home despite allowing 16 shots.

Benfica Team News

There are three injuries ahead of this match. Right back Alexander Bah is ruled out and so is defensive midfielder Manu Silva. Speedy left winger Bruma will also play no part.

Mourinho’s main decisions are over which wide players to select. Franjo Ivanovic and Dodi Lukebakoi are competing down the right. On the left, it’s either Fredrik Aursnes or Andreas Schjelderup.

Benfica Motivation

Mourinho will be highly motivated to go to Stamford Bridge and get something from the match. After a matchday one defeat, they can’t afford to lose again.

For a tough away game, expect a compact approach from the experienced coach. He will look to be compact and not focused on possession numbers.

Key Stats

• Chelsea have lost 3 of their last 5 matches
• Chelsea have lost just 1 of their last 13 home EPL matches (9 wins)
• Benfica’s last 8 matches vs English teams has seen 0 wins
• Benfica have lost all 4 previous meetings with Chelsea (9 goals conceded)

Verdict

Despite their injuries, Chelsea should have enough to get a narrow win in this match.

Best Bet: Chelsea win at 1.61

Featured Bet: Chelsea win, Both Teams to Score & Joao Pedro to score anytime at 4.20

Correct Score Tip: Chelsea 2-1 Benfica at 6.50