Prediction: Benfica vs Feyenoord

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to extend on their 100% Champions League tally on Wednesday night, Benfica will welcome Feyenoord to the Estadio da Luz.

Benfica

Starting with the hosts, while Benfica might have a real battle on their hands in the race to reclaim their Primeira Liga crown, the Eagles are in the midst of what has become a real purple patch. Getting their Champions League adventure underway on September 19th with a 2-1 victory away at Red Star, Bruno Lage’s men laid down what was a famous European marker earlier in the month. Storming their way to a remarkable 4-0 romp against Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid, the one-time Wolves boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Marking their return from October’s international break with a 2-0 win away at Pevidem as they extended on their Taco de Portugal campaign, Benfica have now collected 25 points from their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Really finding a clinical edge in the final third, Lage’s side will be hoping to lay down another marker here.

Team News

Still dealing with a muscle injury and not making a single appearance since the end of August, Benfica will once again be without former Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches on Wednesday night. Likewise, academy graduate Tiago Gouveia remains on the sidelines and will not be part of Lage’s squad in midweek.

Opening his Champions League account against Atletico Madrid earlier in the month, Argentinian superstar Angel Di Maria will feature. Bagging a sensational brace against England at Wembley during the fortnight break, Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis will lead Lage’s attack and join Di Maria in the final third.

Feyenoord

As for the visitors, although Feyenoord might have got their Champions League adventure underway with a nightmare 4-0 drumming at home against Bayer Leverkusen last month, the Dutch giants have come roaring back in some style. Putting a maiden European victory on the board thanks to an action-packed 3-2 win away at Girona on October 2nd, Brian Priske’s side have now collected 13 points from their previous five appearances across all competitions. Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they secured a 5-1 romp against the Go Ahead Eagles, Wednesday’s guests will also be excited by their free-scoring performances in the final third. In fact, Feyenoord have bagged 13 goals on their five-match unbeaten flurry. Enjoying what has become a sensational purple patch on either side of October’s international break, Priske’s men should be relishing a real challenge on foreign soil.

Team News

Still dealing with a recent hip issue and not featuring over the past month, Feyenoord are once again sweating over the fitness of attacking talisman Santiago Gimenez. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance so far this season and still suffering with a knee issue, academy graduate Quilindschy Hartman remains on the sidelines and will not travel to Portugal in midweek.

Finding the net in back-to-back appearances on either side of October’s international break, Japan international Ayase Ueda will lead Feyenoord’s charge. Completing a season-long loan switch from Premier League outfit Brighton, Ibrahim Osman will partner Ueda in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Benfica and Feyenoord met for a pre-season friendly over the summer, Wednesday’s hosts collected a 5-0 romp.
• Benfica have won each of their previous six appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 20-3.
• The Eagles have collected 25 points from their previous nine appearances across all formats.
• Including an action-packed 3-2 win away at Girona on October 2nd, Feyenoord have registered 13 points from their last five appearances.
• Wednesday’s guests have seen all of their previous four appearances finish with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Benfica might find themselves at the heart of a real purple patch, Feyenoord have turned a real corner since their rocky start to proceedings. Two camps who have continued to shine with their performances in the final third, neutrals will be hoping for another Champions League thriller on Wednesday night. It should be noted, with Feyenoord seeing all of their last four appearances across all competitions finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome from the Estadio da Luz.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet