Benfica vs Chelsea prediction from SBR's Gary Pearson for Saturday's Round of 16 match:
Best bet: Chelsea ML (+115 via bet365)
"Chelsea lost their only match in the tournament against a team with a similar profile, falling 3-1 to Flamengo. With no intended disrespect to Esperance Tunis or LAFC, Chelsea's two victories came against markedly inferior sides.
Benfica's level more closely resembles Chelsea's, and the Portuguese team will push the Conference League champions.
While the Blues were much better against Esperance, they will have to shift into a higher gear against a confident, in-form Benfica. I expect them to do exactly that.
After losing to Flamengo, Enzo Maresca made eight changes for their final Group D match.
Some of the changes were effective, while others were not. While it wasn't a flawless performance, it provided key personnel additional time to rest and prepare themselves for the business end of the tournament.
Maresca will start his perceived best 11, including bringing Cole Palmer back into the side. It should pay immediate dividends, with the Blues winning a close one in 90 minutes."
Best prop pick: Liam anytime goal (+210 via FanDuel)
"Delap scored his first goal for the Blues against Esperance on a move that showcased precisely what he was signed for. He was swift on the turn, strong in possession, and finished with aplomb.
Scoring the first goal will be massive for Delap's confidence and self-belief. He's having an excellent tournament in most facets, making it clear that Nicolas Jackson has a gargantuan task if he's to retain the starting role. It's a task I don't believe Jackson is up for.
Delap's a more natural and ruthless finisher and has a seemingly telepathic connection with Cole Palmer. Look for him to bag his second in consecutive matches."
Benfica vs Chelsea odds:
Can Benfica pull off another upset or will Chelsea advance to the Round of 8?
Best bet: Chelsea ML (+115 via bet365)
"Chelsea lost their only match in the tournament against a team with a similar profile, falling 3-1 to Flamengo. With no intended disrespect to Esperance Tunis or LAFC, Chelsea's two victories came against markedly inferior sides.
Benfica's level more closely resembles Chelsea's, and the Portuguese team will push the Conference League champions.
While the Blues were much better against Esperance, they will have to shift into a higher gear against a confident, in-form Benfica. I expect them to do exactly that.
After losing to Flamengo, Enzo Maresca made eight changes for their final Group D match.
Some of the changes were effective, while others were not. While it wasn't a flawless performance, it provided key personnel additional time to rest and prepare themselves for the business end of the tournament.
Maresca will start his perceived best 11, including bringing Cole Palmer back into the side. It should pay immediate dividends, with the Blues winning a close one in 90 minutes."
Best prop pick: Liam anytime goal (+210 via FanDuel)
"Delap scored his first goal for the Blues against Esperance on a move that showcased precisely what he was signed for. He was swift on the turn, strong in possession, and finished with aplomb.
Scoring the first goal will be massive for Delap's confidence and self-belief. He's having an excellent tournament in most facets, making it clear that Nicolas Jackson has a gargantuan task if he's to retain the starting role. It's a task I don't believe Jackson is up for.
Delap's a more natural and ruthless finisher and has a seemingly telepathic connection with Cole Palmer. Look for him to bag his second in consecutive matches."
Benfica vs Chelsea odds:
Can Benfica pull off another upset or will Chelsea advance to the Round of 8?
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