Benfica host struggling Bologna in the UEFA Champions League as they look to push for an automatic qualification spot. The Portuguese giants have been particularly impressive in the last few matches and should have too much for the visitors.
Benfica fought back from behind twice to claim a 3-2 victory at Monaco in their last Champions League fixture. That was a solid return to winning ways for Bruno Lage’s men, who had lost their previous two matches.
The Portuguese giants have now won three matches in the Champions League and their last five across all competitions, beating Vitoria Guimaraes 1-0 last weekend. They have kept clean sheets in four of their last five home matches and have scored two or more goals in four fixtures in that run.
Bologna have endured a difficult time in the Champions League as they are still seeking their first win in the competition. They have lost their last four matches and have scored just once so far, in their 2-1 defeat to Lille last time out.
The Italians have won just two of their last five matches and warmed up for the trip to Benfica with a 2-2 Serie A draw with Juventus.
How the bookies view it: Smooth sailing for Benfica
Benfica have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/2 by Kwiff to claim the win. A victory for Bologna is valued at 18/5 while Kwiff are offering odds of 13/5 for a draw.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Benfica and Bologna.
Players to watch: Eyes on Akturkoglu
Kerem Akturkoglu has impressed for Benfica in the Champions League, with three goals in five matches. The forward will be the one to watch and is priced at 27/20 by Kwiff to get on the score sheet once again.
Benfica are also solid at the back and have kept clean sheets in four of their last five home matches. Nicolas Otamendi and Tomas Araujo should continue at the back and can lead the hosts to a clean sheet at 6/5 with Kwiff.
Probable line-ups
Benfica have a fully fit squad to choose from and should start with Akturkoglu, Vangelis Pavlidis and Angel Di Maria in attack. Fredrik Aursnes is expected to retain his place in midfield.
A major blow for Bologna is the absence of top scorer Riccardo Orsolini, who is sidelined with injury. Santiago Castro should start in place of the striker while Remo Freuler should hold the fort in midfield.
Benfica: Trubin, Fernandez, Otamendi, Araujo, Bahrain, Barrios, Florentino, Aursnes, Akturkoglu, Di Maria, Pavlidis
Bologna: Skorupski, Holm, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda, Freuler, Pobega, Ndoye, Odgaard, Dominguez, Castro
Anything else catch the eye?
Benfica have won to nil in four of their last five home matches and this outcome is set at 7/5 with Kwiff. They often score lots of goals and can be backed in the -1 handicap market at 11/8 with Kwiff.
Benfica have scored in both halves in two of their last three home matches across all competitions and could be set for a repeat at 5/4 with Kwiff.
This UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Bologna will be played on Dec 11, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Benfica vs Bologna prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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