Prediction: Benfica vs Midtjylland

Prediction: Benfica to win 3-0

Best Odds: 5/1

Bookmaker: Betfair

Benfica and Midtjylland will face each other in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League this week. The match will be held at Estádio do SL Benfica in Lisbon and is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time on Tuesday.

Benfica

Benfica are one of the biggest clubs in Portugal and have a strong history in European competitions. The Eagles have won the Primeira Liga in Portugal as many as 37 times in their history – a record. Benfica have won the European Cup twice as well, first in the 1961 and then 1962.

Roger Schmidt’s side finished third in the Primeira Liga table last season with 74 points from 34 matches. It was a disappointing campaign in the end for Benfica, as they ended up as many as 17 points behind eventual rivals FC Porto. Benfica have entered the UEFA Champions League at the third qualifying round stage.

Benfica have been active in the summer transfer window. The former Portuguese and European champions have signed David Neres, Enzo Fernandez and Petar Musa among others, but they have also lost star striker Darwin Nunez to Liverpool.

Team News:

Odysseas Vlachodimos, Helton Leite, Gilberto, Mihailo Ristic, Andre Almeida, Nicolas Otamendi, Enzo Jeremías Fernandez, Julian Weigl, David Neres and Roman Yaremchuk all are available for Benfica.

Midtjylland

FC Midtjylland have established themselves as giants in Danish football in recent years and are regulars in European competitions. The Wolves have won the Danish Superliga three times – first in the 2015, then in 2018 and again in 2020. Midtjylland have also finished runners-up on five occasions in the league and have won the Danish Cup twice.

Midtjylland finished second in the Danish SuperLiga last season with  65 points from 32 matches, just three points behind eventual champions FC Copenhagen. That has seen then get into the UEFA Champions League at the second qualifying round stage.

Benfica will head into the tie as favourites, but if Midtjylland manage to lose by a narrow margin or even draw, then it would be a job well done for them heading into the second leg.

Team News:

Jonas Lossl, Elias Rafn Olafsson,  Joel Andersson, Henrik Dalsgaard, Erik Sviatchenko, Juninho, Raphael Onyedika, Edward Chilufya, Mads Thychosen and Junior Brumado all are available for Midtjylland.

Key Factors to Consider

• Benfica have won 3 of their last 5 matches.
• Benfica have lost 1 of their last 5 matches.
• Benfica have drawn 1 of their last 5 matches.
• Midtjylland have drawn 3 of their last 5 matches.
• Midtjylland have won 1 and lost 1 of their last 5 matches.

Conclusion

Benfica are one of the biggest clubs in the world and have a much better squad than Midtjylland. The Portuguese giants are also more experienced in Europe. Given that the first leg of the tie is at home, Benfica will head into the match as favourites and should be able to pick up all three points with relative ease.

Prediction: Benfica to win 3-0

Best Odds: 5/1

Bookmaker: Betfair