Thursday 24/04/2014, 20:00, Europa League, Semifinals, Benfica vs Juventus

Benfica vs Juventus Betting Preview

Benfica was recently crowned champion in Portugal, with several round before the end of the regular season, which is remarkable given their competition with Porto and Sporting. They now have their sights locked on another major trophy and in order to claim it, they must outshine Juventus. The Italians are credited with the first chance to win Europa League in 2014, but they struggle to replace a couple of key players sidelined with injuries.

Benfica vs Juventus Betting Odds

At Ladbrokes

Benfica 2.50, Draw 3.30, Juventus 2.80

Benfica vs Juventus Betting Tips

Juventus will be traveling to Lisbon fully aware that their opponents are yet to lose a game in front of their fans. The visitors are also concerned about how the team will play without Arturo Vidal who is still unfit to play and whose absence in the midfield won't go unnoticed.

On the bright side, Carlos Tevez will be returning to the starting formation, but he is yet to score a goal in a European competition. The last time this happened was more than 5 years ago and the fact that he spent a long time on the bench mending an injury doesn't improve his chances to break the ice.

Antonio Conte is a pragmatic coach who knows how to mitigate the risks of a defeat on the road and will probably employ the same strategy he used against Lyon. The French side had only a few chances to score and Juventus made the most of their rare opportunities, to return to Turin on the back of a 1-0 win.

Benfica is not going to surrender without a fight and past performance suggests that their best chance of advancing to the next stage is by winning the first leg. They have already claimed the Portuguese cup and domestic championship, so they are a force to be reckoned with when playing at home.

Key Facts

• Benfica has plenty of options upfront and veterans Cardozo and Lima are expected to be joined in the offense by 23-year-old Rodrigo who scored 11 goals in 26 starts.
• The Portuguese side lost no match at home this season and won 7 consecutive games while allowing a single goal over the span

Benfica vs Juventus Betting Prediction

Benfica is credited with the first chance to win the first leg and Ladbrokes offers spectacular odds for a regulation time victory. Risk-averse punters will appreciate the fact that the Benfica Draw no Bet wager is priced at 1.80 by the same bookmaker and the stakes are returned if the match ends undecided.

Bet: Benfica Draw no Bet @ 1.80 with Ladbrokes