Manchester United vs Benfica Predictions, Betting Tips and Preview

Match Preview

Manchester United will hope to avoid a scare on all hallows eve as they lost a Benfica side who have been disastrous in this competition so far, including a home loss to United on the last matchday.

Game: Manchester United vs Benfica

Venue: Old Trafford

Kick-off: Tuesday 31st October, 8.00PM

Manchester United lead Group A with nine points from nine so far. Emphatic wins over Basel and CSKA Moscow put United in a strong position ahead of their trip to Portugal, and Mourinho’s men were comfortable enough in a 1-0 win. Now you’d have to say they look likely to complete the double.

It’s been three straight losses for Benfica who peaked when Haris Seferovic gave them a 50th minute lead at home to CSKA. They went on to lose that game 2-1 and haven’t scored a Champions League goal since, and to rub it in will be without the services of Andre Almeida who is now suspended for this game.

Manchester United can guarantee their qualification with two games to go which can only help their domestic campaign as well as their confidence.

Free Betting Tip

Man Utd Win to Nil at 21/20 with Betfred

Score Prediction

Manchester United 2-0 at 11/2 with Bet365

Scorer Prediction

Marcus Rashford at 13/8 with Bet365

Reasons for Betting Tips

United are a clear favorite at best odds of 4/11 with Sky Bet. The draw can be backed at 4/1 with Ladbrokes, whilst Benfica are a chunky best price of 10/1 with Paddy Power.

It would be a rather large shock if Manchester United lose to Benfica here. The Portuguese side have struggled so far and need to bounce back, but escaping this group looks well and truly beyond them now. Lose here and Basel need just a point at home to eliminate them and leave even a Europa League spot under threat.

Manchester United have won seven straight home games in all competitions, winning six of those games by two clear goals and only giving away in return. Amusingly, Burton Albion are the sole scorers at Old Trafford. Benfica will battle, but given current form they probably aren’t going to cause United that big a problem.

Back our Free Betting Tip: Man Utd Win to Nil at 21/20 with Betfred

There are very few Benfica teams you’d write off with such confidence, but things are trending the wrong way. An early five point gap between them and unbeaten Porto domestically could spell the end already unless Benfica beat Porto, but they’ve fell flat in their big games and only Spurs have kept it tight here.

Back our Score Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 at 11/2 with Bet365

United have been playing a strong team in their Champions League fixtures and Marcus Rashford has netted in their last two. Lukaku remains leading scoring, but Benfica have no choice but to push forward here and it could be Rashford’s pace that exploits some gaps.

Back our Scorer Prediction: Marcus Rashford at 13/8 with Bet365