Benfica host Juventus in what could be a decisive encounter for Massimiliano Allegri’s ambitions in the Champions League this season.
Unlike the Bianconeri, Benfica have enjoyed an unbeaten run since the start of the new season across all competitions. While the Portuguese side has managed to create a six-point lead at the top of the table in their domestic league, they are not far from qualifying for the knock-out stages in Europe.
In their respective group, Benfica and PSG have eight points each and are considered the favourites to enter the next stage of the Champions League.
Should The Eagles manage to salvage anything positive out of the game against Juve on Tuesday, it could be the end of the Champions League 2022/23 season for Allegri and the Bianconeri, who should not only win their remaining games but also hope for favourable results in other matches to make the knock-out stages.
Results in the last five matches in all competitions:
Benfica: D-W-D-W-W
Juventus: W-L-L-W-W
Team News
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt will be missing the likes of Julian Draxler and Felipe Morato due to their respective injury issues. Fredrik Aursnes should start in the place of David Neres on Tuesday evening.
As for Juventus, the burden of injury has started to reduce, with Federico Chiesa and Paul Pogba nearing a comeback from their long-term injuries. Though, they will not be available for this high-octane European fixture. Despite some respite in the injury department, Mattia De Sciglio, Ángel Di María, Leandro Paredes, and Gleison Bremer continue to be sidelined.
Benfica predicted XI vs Juventus (4-2-3-1):
Vlachodimos; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Florentino, Fernandez; Aursnes, Rafa Silva, Joao Mario; Gonçalo Ramos.
Juventus predicted XI vs Benfica (3-5-2):
Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Cuadrado, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Vlahovic, Milik.
GIFN | Jyotirmoy Halder
