Monaco vs Benfica Prediction
Monaco will go head-to-head with Benfica on Wednesday in what looks like an exciting Champions League clash. While both teams enter the game with strong ambitions, here is our Monaco vs Benfica prediction, match preview, head-to-head stats (h2h), and betting tips to get you ready for the showdown.
Monaco vs Benfica Prediction
Monaco seek to consolidate their fourth victory in the Champions League when they host the visit of Benfica. The French side grabbed a slim win over Bologna in their last outing; captain Thilo Kehrer sealed the winner in the 86th minute with his close-range shot. Monaco goes into this tie on the back of two straight victories in Ligue 1 against Strasbourg and Brest, netting six and conceding four goals in those two games.
On the other hand, Benfica thrashed Estrela as Angel Di Maria scored a brilliant hat-trick in the opening 20 minutes. However, Benfica suffered a defeat in their last Champions League outing against Bayern Munich, with Jamal Musiala's 67th-minute strike proving to be the difference.
Benfica will be keen to put this defeat behind them and work their way up the top half of the table. Even though their recent form may not reflect that, Monaco's better outing in this competition makes them favorites to win this encounter.
Match Preview & Team Form Analysis
Monaco have really found their feet in the recent games, netting six times in their last two Ligue 1 matches. Judging by their Champions League form in the last matches, Monaco seem really well-prepared for such a test and will seek to keep their winning spree.
While strong in domestic competitions, Benfica will have some psychological recovery to do coming off their loss to Bayern Munich. Against Estrela, there was a dominant win, although in the Champions League, they have never shown consistency, and to stand out against Monaco will require an improvement defensively.
Head-to-Head Stats (h2h)
Monaco and Benfica have had quite a few matches played between them, and they've usually been tight. But this match sees Monaco have an advantage over Benfica given its current form in the Champions League.
Betting Tips & Predictions
- Monaco to Win: We are expecting Monaco, coming from better form in the competition, to emerge winners in this Champions League match.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 goals have been scored in six of Benfica's last seven matches and Monaco have also been involved in several high-scoring fixtures this season.
- Maghnes Akliouche to Score Anytime: The goal involvement of Akliouche has been on the rise lately; he has been involved in five goals in his last six games, with three goals in the Champions League this season and is expected to find the target once again.
Conclusion
With Monaco in fine form and Benfica recovering from a tough loss, we predict that Monaco will come out on top in this Champions League clash. The match is likely to be high-scoring, with Akliouche playing a key role in Monaco's attack.
Stay tuned for more updates on this match and other exciting Champions League fixtures!
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