Prediction: Benfica vs PSG

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 31/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Champions League is back in our lives this week as we continue on through this chaotic schedule heading into the winter World Cup. There are plenty of fixtures left to be played with a whole lot to be settled in Europe’s top club competition and this week, one of the biggest meetings of them all will come in Portugal as table-toppers Paris Saint-Germain travel to face Benfica.

Benfica

Benfica go back and forth between contenders deep into the Champions League and a side who just can’t seem to find their footing. This year, it definitely feels as if they fall into the former of the two categories, especially given their win over Juventus as well as the fact that they’re unbeaten in the Primeira Liga. They’re on fire right now and given their squad, it’s not hard to picture them as dark horses.

Team News

Verissimo, Victor and Morato have all been ruled out through injury with an unchanged team expected from the weekend.

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain fall into a similar category as Manchester City, in the sense that they continue to dominate their domestic league while being unable to edge over the finish line in Europe. They’ve reached the final, and they’ve got a team that is absolutely stacked with superstars, leading us to believe this is the best chance they could have at finally going all the way.

Team News

Kimpembe and Sanches are both injured and will miss out but aside from that, the visitors should have a full team to choose from.

Factors to Consider

• PSG and Benfica are joint top of Group H in the UCL with six points each.
• Benfica have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• PSG have not lost a game so far this season.
• Benfica have scored 12 goals and conceded two in their last six games.
• PSG have scored 12 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

Both of these clubs will know that if they can pick up a big win here, they’ll almost certainly find themselves in the knockouts – and they’ll vault themselves directly into top spot. Benfica have the advantage of being at home to try and counter against the inevitable surge that will come from Messi and company, which is one of the reasons why we expect them to hold out in a defensive masterclass that ends 0-0.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 31/10

Bookmaker: 888sport