In the FIFA Club World Cup’s round of 16, we will be treated to some exciting games, with one of them being a purely European tie. Both Benfica and Chelsea appear to have put their sights on the CWC trophy, but one will leave the tournament at this stage. Both have found decent form, making this game all the more close.
Benfica Team News
Still undefeated at the tournament, Benfica managed to top Group C, rather surprisingly. The favourite there was Bayern Munich, but on the last group stage matchday, the Eagles secured a narrow 1-0 win over the German giants. That was also Benfica’s second consecutive clean sheet, which means that the Portuguese team have conceded only in the opening matchday against Boca Juniors. In attacking terms, Benfica looks to be potent enough, scoring 9 goals across their 3 group stage fixtures, averaging 3 per game. It should be noted, however, that 6 of those goals came against Auckland City.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea also managed to win 2 out of their 3 group stage fixtures, but suffered a 3-1 defeat against Flamengo. Much like Benfica, the Blues have managed to keep 2 clean sheets and also score in all of their prior fixtures. While Chelsea’s goal tally is lower than Benfica’s (only by 1 goal, though), Enzo Maresca’s team was also in a group which was unanimously considered much easier than that of their Portuguese adversaries. Still, the loss against Flamengo was Chelsea’s undoing, and they had to settle for being the runner-up in Group D, although it might be a blessing in disguise as Flamengo will be facing Group C’s runner-up, Bayern Munich.
Head-to-Head Games
Benfica and Chelsea last met in the 2013 Europa League final. Chelsea won that game 1-2, and curiously enough, have won every fixture against Benfica. There have been a total of 3 games between these two teams, with the most recent two ending in the same 2-1 results for Chelsea.
Benfica – Chelsea Betting Prediction
Both sides share similar statistics so far in their CWC games. They seem potent enough in attack, while also managing to stave off goals rather regularly. Despite that, my pick for this game will be for both teams to score. H2H encounters between Benfica and Chelsea would suggest that this is a likely outcome. Oftentimes, when two defensively sound teams with good attacks meet, we end up seeing goals from both sides.
Betting Tip: Both Teams To Score: Yes
Bookmaker: Sportsbet.io
Odds: 1.83
Sportsbet.io
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