Juventus v Benfica (8.05pm ITV4)
Switch back to the Europa League tonight for the second leg semi-finals and we’ll concentrate on the Juventus v Benfica game which is LIVE on ITV4 (8.05pm KO).
Benfica hold a 2-1 lead after the first leg thanks to a late winner but could easily find it a different story tonight.
Juventus had the most possession in the first leg but failed to take advantage and back on home soil tonight it’s easy to see why they are odds-on to qualify and overturn the deficit from the first leg:
HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Apr 2014 Europa League Benfica 2-1 Juventus
May 1968 European Cup Juventus 0-1 Benfica
May 1968 European Cup Benfica 2-0 Juventus
It could well be the fans that make the difference tonight according to Juventus coach Antonio Conte who said: “We are going to play with 12 men tonight, I am convinced of it. Benfica had better beware because the fans are going to enter the fray.”
Benfica come here at the top of their game. At the weekend they beat arch-rivals Porto on penalties to reach the Portuguese League Cup final and remain on course for a QUADRUPLE having already sealed victory in their home league and are also in the final of another cup competition.
Benfica only found Chelsea too good in the final last year and will find Juventus tough nuts to crack at home. The hosts are now unbeaten in their last 27 home fixtures.
Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is doubtful with a knee injury, while Benfica are without midfielder Ljubomir Fejsa and defender Silvio.
Again I’m a seller of bookings.
RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-10 points)
SELL BOOKINGS JUVENTUS / BENFICA for 10 points at around 50 with Star Spreads
RUNNING RETURN (MAY): +0.00 POINTS
RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): LOSS 339.00 POINTS
- Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
- Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.