class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Neither side have been in convincing defensive form and, with plenty riding on the clash at Camp Nou, both teams should be backed to score
Barcelona welcome Benfica to Camp Nou on Tuesday night on matchday five in Group E of the Champions League with a place in the last 16 at stake.
With Bayern Munich having already wrapped up top spot in the group, a win for Barca against their Portuguese opponents would secure second place, yet a victory for Benfica would put them in the driving seat heading into the final round of fixtures.
Barcelona vs Benfica latest odds
Benfica ran out 3-0 winners in Lisbon against the Blaugrana on matchday two and Jorge Jesus’ side can be backed at 4/1 (5.00) with bet365 to claim another victory.
Barcelona, meanwhile, can be backed at 3/5 (1.60) in what will be their first European game under new manager Xavi Hernandez, with the draw at 10/3 (4.33).
Barcelona vs Benfica first goalscorer
Memphis Depay scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in Barcelona’s derby win over Espanyol on Saturday night and the Dutchman is priced at 15/4 (4.75) to break the deadlock on Tuesday.
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Luuk de Jong, meanwhile, is available at 9/2 (5.50) while Philippe Coutinho can be backed at 11/2 (6.50).
For the visitors, Darwin Nunez has eight goals in all competitions including three in the Champions League and can be backed at 7/1 (8.00) to open the scoring as he did against Barcelona at the Estadio da Luz.
Barcelona vs Benfica preview
A new era with Xavi at the helm got off to a winning start at the weekend, yet Barca were extremely fortunate to have claimed a victory.
There were positive aspects to the Blaugrana’s performance, but the defensive fragility which has dogged them all season remains, with Espanyol hitting the woodwork twice, as well as spurning two further glorious opportunities to score.
There is every chance that Barca could struggle once more to keep out a side who are in strong scoring form and against whom they conceded three times less than two months ago.
Backing goals at both ends therefore should appeal and, while Benfica have plenty of firepower up front, defensively they have been shipping goals, keeping just one clean sheet in the nine competitive matches they have played since their last meeting with the Catalans.
Barcelona vs Benfica tips & predictions
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals is priced at 20/21 (1.98) and looks like a selection well worthy of consideration for Tuesday’s game.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
