UEFA Champions League Playoffs: Benfica vs. PSV Preview, Odds, Prediction

Benfica and PSV highlight the UEFA Champions League playoffs, with the two former continental champions clashing in this stage of the qualifiers. They are in excellent shape, smashing and bashing pretty much everything that stands in their way, and it is really a pity that only one team can advance to the UCL’s group stage. The first leg takes place at La Luz Stadium in Lisboa, and we expect to see a spectacle. Both teams will aim to win, there is no doubt about that, and you should watch this game.

Preview

Benfica (+115) has four straight wins, and is without a defeat in 11 consecutive matches, including the preseason-friendly events. In all but two games during that span, the Eagles have scored at least twice.

Benfica is perfect this season when observing only competitive games – four clashes, four wins with a combined goal-difference 8-1. The only goal allowed was against Moreirense on the road, 1-2.

The previous five of their contests all ended with a moderate efficiency, meaning 2 or 3 goals. The Portuguese powerhouse eliminated Spartak Moscow in the preceding round pretty easily, beating them with the same result 2-0, in both Moscow and Lisboa,

PSV (+230) won seven consecutive matches, in five of them hitting the back of the rival’s net twice or more. The team from Eindhoven is without a loss in the last 16 matches, and that is proof of their magnificent form. Now, we will tell something that could potentially offend their fans.

The Dutch powerhouse plays much better without Malen and Dumfries, two of the biggest stars, who often slowed down the ball movement in the opponent’s part of the field. PSV looks far more dangerous with these two outside the lineup, and beating Galatasaray and Midtjylland in the previous two rounds clearly backs up that claim.

Galata was humiliated in Eindhoven, 5-1, and additionally defeated in Istanbul, 1-2. After that, PSV handled the Danes with 3-0 at home and a 0-1 win on the road.

Latest News

Andre Almeida is out long-term for the home side, while Jan Verthongen should be available following his thigh injury. Haris Seferovic is 100% ready, according to the sources from Lisboa.

Richard Ledezma is out for PSV, the same as Mees Kreekels.

Head to Head Matches

Even though it is “ancient history,” it is important to say that the past five games between these two teams saw at least three goals, them being on both ends of the field. The most recent head-to-head encounter took place in 2012, and PSV won that 3-1.

Prediction

The first thing that crosses our minds when discussing the possible pick for this derby is both teams scoring. As you saw, they often scored two goals per game, and the respective defenses are far weaker than the attacking lines. The odds on our suggestion are -166, which is satisfying. Betting on goals carries significantly less risk than going with the full-time result. Small details will prevail, and to be honest, this contest could go either way despite Benfica being a solid favorite. It wouldn’t be too big of a surprise.

Pick: Both teams to score -166

Here is the preview for more UEFA Champions League games:

Monaco vs. Shakhtar

Here is also a preview for the Europa League game between Celtic and AZ Alkmaar.