Benfica v Basel
Football : Champions League Match Day 4
Wednesday 2 November 2011 - Kickoff 7:45pm
This game is live on TV

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Benfica

Benfica were likely thinking that qualifying from this Group behind Manchester United would be an achievement, but now they have to be thinking bigger. The Eagles have made a strong start in the Champions League and also in the Portuguese domestic League as they look to wrestle the title back from Porto. Benfica are 2nd in the table on goal difference to the reigning Champions of Portugal.

A 1-1 home draw with Manchester United on Match Day 1 was a respectable result, especially when followed by away wins at Otelul Galati and Basel. That gives Benfica 7 points as they top the Group with a 2 point advantage over United and with a real possibility of winning the Group and avoiding some of the bigger names in the last 16. They will not want to give up their advantage at the top before their clash with United at Old Trafford on Match Day 5.

Benfica remain unbeaten in all competitions this season and should be full of confidence as they ride a 6 game winning run coming into this one. They have won all 3 games at the Stadium of Light since drawing with United and they have scored at least 2 goals in each of their home games this season expect for that game with United.

There could be a bit of a problem for Benfica as Oscar Cardozo, their talismanic forward, is doubtful. Javi Garcia and Enzo Perez are both out, while Ruben Amorim is in the squad. Emerson is suspended as is manager Jorge Jesus.

Basel

Basel have had one of the most surprising results in the Champions League so far this season as they held Manchester United to a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford on Match Day 2. The Swiss Champions proved themselves to be a match for United on that day, although qualifying from the Group for the last 16 still looks a little beyond them.

That result at United was all the more shocking when considering the team were 2-0 down after 17 minutes of the game. However, they showed some great fight and were actually leading the game 2-3 going into the final few minutes before being denied by Ashley Young. Basel beat Otelul Galati at home, but a 0-2 loss to Benfica last time out means they are 1 point behind United and 3 behind Benfica, with a loss today meaning they have only 2nd place left in their sights.

Basel have won 3 games in a row and 5 of their last 6 in all competitions with their sole defeat coming at the hands of Benfica. They are unbeaten in their last 7 away games in all competitions, and have won 3 in a row since drawing at Old Trafford.

Kay Voser, Cabral and Genseric Kusunga are all missing for the Swiss side meaning they are short of numbers in defence. Marco Streller is also missing in attack.

Head to Head

This will be the second competitive meeting between the teams.

Prediction

Benfica will qualify for the last 16 of the competition with a win today and they will also put themselves in a great position to ensure they finish top of the Group and avoid a tough game in the next Round. The team have been strong at the Stadium of Light and are scoring goals for fun there and you have to think they will take advantage of Basel's defensive problems.

The Swiss side cannot really afford to sit back and defend either as a point won't really do a lot for them in the grand scheme of things- it would mean they would need to beat Manchester United at home as they would have lost the head to head with Benfica.

I expect the home team will be able to create a few chances in this game and I can see them winning this with a bit to spare. They know they need to maintain their lead over United in the Group before the game at Old Trafford in 3 weeks time, and I think they have too much attacking potential for Basel to deal with, especially with the injuries in defence the Swiss side have.

I am going to take the home side to cover the Asian Handicap in this one.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Benfica 3-1 Basel

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Benfica -1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.95