Barcelona vs Benfica Predictions and Betting Tips
A Xavi-led Barcelona outfit would be keen on getting all three points this Tuesday as they take on Benfica in a massive six-pointer in the UEFA Champions League Group stage. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
The Eagles swept aside La Blaugrana in Portugal when both sides went at each other at the end of September. Darwin Nunez, with a brace, and Rafa Silva were on the scoresheet in a 3-0 win for the home side.
Xavi era starting off with a flourish
Xavi Hernandez started off his Barcelona managerial role on the best note, leading his side to a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Catalan rivals Espanyol. A Memphis penalty was the key difference on Saturday night to stretch Barcelona's unbeaten run in all competitions to four matches. This would certainly be Xavi's first major test as Barcelona head into Tuesday's encounter in desperate need of all three points. Two points separate them from Benfica and with Bayern Munich left to play on the final matchday, even a draw here might slim their chances of making it to the knockout stages.
Having picked up four points from their first two Champions League games, it looked like the Eagles might usurp Barcelona to secure the second knockout spot in Group E for themselves. Following their capitulation in the two-legged tie against group leaders Bayern Munich, however, they're currently in 3rd position and could well be blown away this Tuesday if they lose. Jorge Jesus and his charges made sure of their second straight victory in all competitions when they hit four past Pacos de Ferreira last Friday in the Taca de Portugal. Can they somehow get the better of Barcelona in Spain in this highly-anticipated matchup ?
Barcelona vs Benfica Team News
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Araujo, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, De Jong; Dest, Depay, Coutinho
Benfica possible starting lineup:
Vlachodimos; Otamendi, Morato, Vertonghen; Gilberto, Pizzi, Weigl, Grimaldo; Silva, Yaremchuk, Nunez
Barcelona vs Benfica Prediction: 2-1
The Catalans head into this game plagued with injuries, however, it seems Xavi Hernandez has brought about some injection of confidence into this Barcelona side and we see them eventually getting the win to book themselves a place in the knockouts.
