JOSE MOURINHO returns to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea and Benfica clash in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter.
Chelsea vs Benfica preview
Guess who’s back?
Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge this week, this time as manager of Benfica, for their Champions League showdown against Chelsea.
During two spells in charge of the Blues, Mourinho managed 321 games and won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and three League Cups. He also reached the Champions League semi-finals three times with the club.
Now, he’s aiming to halt Chelsea’s progress in the competition – something he hasn’t particularly excelled at since departing.
Mourinho’s only win at Stamford Bridge as a visiting manager came in March 2010, when his Inter Milan side beat Chelsea 1-0 in the Champions League. Since then, he has failed to win in six away matches against Chelsea in all competitions. Overall, he has won just four of 14 matches against his former club, and none of the last seven.
Benfica’s recent record against English opposition doesn’t offer much encouragement either – the Portuguese heavyweights are winless in their last eight encounters (D3 L5).
Their Champions League campaign began with a disappointing home defeat to Qarabag, having let a two-goal lead slip – a result that led to Bruno Lage’s departure.
Mourinho has since overseen two wins and a draw in his first three Primeira Liga matches in charge, but the trip to Chelsea will present an entirely different challenge.
For Enzo Maresca, this fixture comes at a difficult time.
The Chelsea manager is under increasing scrutiny following three defeats in the last four matches, with the only win in September coming against League One side Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea currently sit eighth in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Liverpool, and will be looking to get points on the board in Europe after losing their opening Champions League game away to Bayern Munich.
Their biggest challenge? It appears to be keeping 11 players on the pitch.
- Chelsea 13/20 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
- Draw 29/10 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
- Benfica 19/5 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Involved
We’re backing Enzo Fernandez to continue his run of goal involvements in tonight’s clash, priced at 6/5 to score or assist with William Hill.
The 24-year-old Argentine has scored three goals and registered one assist in eight appearances this season – including the opener against Brighton last time out.
Fernández ranks second in the Chelsea squad for chances created (7) and passes received in the final third (74). He also leads the team for big chances created (5) and total attempts on goal (9).
He’ll be looking to exploit a Benfica side that conceded three at home to Qarabag and have kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches.
- Enzo Fernandez to score or assist at 6/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
First goalscorer and correct score predictions
Chelsea vs Benfica
- First goalscorer: Joao Pedro at 4/1 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
- Correct score: 2-0 at 15/2 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
We meet again…
Our second tip is for a familiar face to end up in the referee’s notebook…
We’re backing the combative Nicolas Otamendi to be shown a card, priced at 2/1 with William Hill.
The 37-year-old is likely to have a busy evening at the heart of Benfica’s defence, particularly against Chelsea’s quick and fluid attack, who are expected to dominate possession.
The former Manchester City centre-back has already picked up five yellow cards in 13 appearances this season, and has been booked four times in eight previous outings against the Blues.
- Nicolas Otamendi carded at 2/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
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