Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Benfica

Prediction: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The UEFA Champions League is back, as a parade of high-profile teams from across Europe attempt to move one step closer towards European glory. This stage of the competition often throws up a series of surprises, and in this instance, it’s thrown together two highly respected and notable teams – Fenerbahce and Benfica. One will move on to the next round, whereas the other will experience the frustration of dropping down into the second tier equivalent: the UEFA Europa League.

Fenerbahce

The Turkish side aren’t quite at the level they once were on a domestic or European level, but they’ve got a loyal and passionate fanbase that can will any team on towards victory. They always seem to panic in these kinds of games which leads to them letting their guard down late in the day, as we saw in the first leg against Benfica. In the second, they can’t afford to do that, especially given the ever-looming threat of the away goal.

Team News

Soldado will be hoping to prove to everyone that he’s still a useful striker up top for Fenerbahce, with Ayew and Topal holding down the fort as defensive and attacking midfield options. Martin Skrtel will likely be the core figure in the back four.P

Benfica

The Portuguese side are hungry for blood in all competitions this season, and as we saw last week, they seem to possess a growing level of maturity and confidence in what they’re able to produce on the pitch. They may have been a bit erratic in pre-season and they certainly ship a lot of goals, but they’re often entertaining to watch. They’ll have to be cautious that they don’t take Fenerbahce for granted, though, as it’ll be one of the most intimidating atmospheres they’re likely to face throughout the course of the season.

Team News

Pizzi will be aiming to build on his tremendous hat-trick performance from the weekend, as Cervi aims to finish the job that he started in the first leg. Benfica will likely go with a 4-3-3 formation, which has served them well over the last few weeks.

Factors to Consider

• Benfica won the first leg 1-0.
• The game will be played at Sukru Saracoglu.
• Both teams won in their respective domestic leagues at the weekend.
• Benfica have scored 10 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Fenerbahce have scored 11 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Fenerbahce and Benfica both have the ability to be free-scoring teams, and we do believe that they’ll throw caution to the wind here. Reaching the next stage of the Champions League comes with a lot of benefits and while the quality of the game itself may not be that high courtesy of it being quite early in the season, we do think that there will be goals. We’re predicting a 2-1 Fenerbahce win on the night, but courtesy of the away goals rule, Benfica will be the team that progress.

Prediction: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: bet365