Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
FK Crvena Zvezda
Benfica
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For the first time in history, the UEFA Champions League will feature a match on a Thursday. On September 19, Benfica will travel to face Crvena Zvezda. The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:45 Central European Time, and Dailysports experts have prepared a forecast for this encounter.
Crvena Zvezda
The Serbian team advanced to the UEFA Champions League group stage through the qualification playoffs, securing a comeback victory over Bodø/Glimt with a 3-2 aggregate score. Domestically, Crvena Zvezda has been dominant, winning the Serbian SuperLiga for seven consecutive seasons and continuing their impressive form this season. In the current campaign, they remain unbeaten, with six wins and one draw from seven matches. They lead the table with 19 points, having scored the most goals (21) and conceded the fewest (4). Their recent form is strong, winning four of their last five games and losing only one.
Benfica
Although Benfica did not win the Portuguese league last season, finishing second, they still qualified directly for the UEFA Champions League. This season started with a 0-2 loss, but they have since improved, though consistency is still lacking. Benfica has won twice, drawn twice, and lost once, accumulating 10 points from five matches. They trail the league leaders by five points and second place by three, leaving room to challenge for the title.
Match Facts
- Crvena Zvezda has won their last three matches.
- Benfica is unbeaten in their last four games.
- Crvena Zvezda has won 26 of their last 30 matches.
- Crvena Zvezda has scored in their last 27 home matches, while Benfica has conceded in their last seven away games.
Predicted Line-ups
- Crvena Zvezda: Ilić; Sol En U, Spajić, Điga, Mimozić; Elšnik, Krunić, Milson, Ivanić, Olainka; Bruno Duarte
- Benfica: Trubin; Álvarez Fernández, Otamendi, Tomás Araújo, Bah; Barreiros, Florentino, Kökçü, Aursnes, Prestianni; Pavlidis
Head-to-Head
- The last meeting between these two teams was in 1984. Crvena Zvezda won the first match 3-2, while Benfica won the second 2-0.
Prediction
Benfica is not as consistent as they were a few years ago, but they still possess a stronger squad. I expect them to win this match, especially as they need to redeem themselves in front of their fans. My bet is on a victory for the Eagles with odds of 1.92.
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