Betdistrict.com
Early Champions League Wednesday match, as Benfica will look to secure qualification in the UCL next round, while Astana could play its last card for a Top 3 place.
Benfica is leading the group with 2 points over Atletico Madrid and 5 over Galatasaray, so a draw in Kazakhstan will see them trough the next stage as long as Galata doesn’t win in Spain. Obviously, the Portugese side will try to make it easy for themselves by securing the three points here, which would also go a long way to get them the number 1 spot at the end of the group. Benfica has played good football this season and is in good form overall, but they did lose on the road in the Cup against rivals Sporting over the weekend, 1-2 in extra time.
Astana is yet to lose at home this season in the Champions League, recording 3 wins in the qualifying stages and 2 draws against Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid. Great stats for the hosts, but unfortunately for them they have just 2 points to show for in Group C, as they were clearly outplayed by Benfica and Atletico Madrid on the road. Astana is 2 points behind Galatasaray and should have chances to finish 3rd even with a loss here. The hosts will be pumped up after winning the title in the 87th minute two weeks ago, but they lost the Cup final against Kairat on Saturday.
Bet on FC Astana vs Benfica with the highest Champions League odds at 1xBet.com
Team news & lineups:
Dzolchiev won`t be in Astana’s lineup today, while Maksimovic is questionable. Gaitan, Luisao and Nelsinho are out for Benfica.
Astana: Eric – Ilic, Postnikov, Anicic, Shomko – Canas – Shchetkin, Maksimovic, Zhukov, Kethevoama – Kabananga
Benfica: Julio Cesar – Silvio, Jardel, Lopez, Eliseu – Guedes, Talisca, Almeida, Salvio – Jonas, Mitroglou
Astana is likely to open up a bit today, as a draw or a loss is pretty much the same, but a win would be a fantastic result and give them chances to even reach the UCL KO stage. Benfica showed a do or die attitude so far this season as they did not record a single draw, so this could be a pretty entertaining clash.
Coming after a loss against arch rivals Sporting and knowing that a win would guarantee a place in the Round 16, expect the visitors to show focus and determination here. Getting a result in Kazakhstan will not be a piece of cake, but with Astana expected to not just sit back and defend, it could be easier for the Portugese side. This factor, along with Benfica’s quality, experience and motivation to bounce back after the derby loss should get them the 3 points.
They did not have too many problems at home vs Astana in a 2-0 win and I can see a slightly harder, but similar match today. My tip is Benfica to win. Prediction: Astana – Benfica 1-2.
Pick: Benfica
Odds: 1.87 @ 1xBet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 6.09
Event date: 25 November
