Standard Liege vs Benfica
10th December 1755hrs
Football – Europe – UEFA Europa League
Pick 3-0 Away Win
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 12/1 odds taken 1815 GMT, Wednesday 9 December
Benfica go head-to-head with Rangers in a straight shootout for top spot in UEFA Europa League Group D. The Gers take on Lech Poznan, while Jorge Jesus’ boys make the trip to the Stade Maurice Dufrasne in Belgium on Thursday to play Philippe Montanier’s Standard Liege. The Portuguese side need to better Rangers’ result to finish top of the group. Check out the latest betting odds and best tips in our preview.
Table of Contents
Standard Liege Preview – Reds’ European campaign to end in defeat?
Standard Liege could finish bottom of Europa League Group D, as the Belgian side have won one and lost three of their five games. Due to their head-to-head record with Lech Poznan, Philippe Montanier’s men will need to better the Polish side’s result on the final day to avoid finishing bottom.
Standard Liege lost each of their opening three fixtures in Group B, scoring one and conceding nine. However, the Reds restored some pride in game four, with Konstantinos Laifis scoring late to give them a 2-1 home win over Poznan. Despite a brave showing in Glasgow last week, Liege’s last European game ended in a 3-2 defeat to Rangers.
The Belgian First Division A side will be hoping to finish their 2020-21 Europa League campaign on a high. At present, the home team are priced at 17/4 to cause an upset on their own patch.
Benfica Preview – Easy away win for Jesus’ troops?
Benfica and Rangers have been involved in a ding-dong battle in Group D. The Scottish side have the edge after claiming a 3-3 draw in Portugal and a 2-2 draw in Glasgow. Still, the Eagles will be looking to do their bit and hope for a favour from Lech Poznan.
Jorge Jesus’ boys began with a 4-2 victory in Poland before beating Liege 3-0 in Lisbon. They then played out two thrilling draws with Steven Gerrard’s men, with both teams scoring five goals in the two games.
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Benfica got back to winning ways with a handsome 4-0 home win over Poznan at the Estadio da Luz last Thursday. Jan Vertonghen, Darwin Nunez, Pizzi and Julian Weigl were the scorers. The Portuguese outfit are the red-hot favourites in this one.
Standard Liege vs Benfica Betting Advice
The matchup in Lisbon in October was the first ever meeting between the two clubs. The in-form Pizzi bagged a brace, with Luca Waldschmidt also netting in a 3-0 Benfica win.
Key Facts – Standard Liege vs Benfica Betting Tip
- Benfica have won ten of their opening 15 league and cup games this term
- Standard Liege have won just one of their last seven in all competitions
- Benfica are unbeaten in Group D, winning three and drawing two
The priority was to avoid any hiccups and book their place in the last 32 of the Europa League. Benfica have been relatively untroubled in Group D, but can they win it? The Eagles should be far too strong for Liege once again. Another 3-0 Benfica win is available at the generous odd of 12/1.
Pizzi has had a fine season in front of goal for Benfica, especially in Europe. The 30-year-old has scored five times in the Europa League, with just Lille’s Yusuf Yazici scoring more (six). Pizzi is priced at 5/1 to score first in Liege on Thursday.
The best betting odds for Standard Liege vs Benfica
Standard Liege to win: 17/4 at Bet365
Draw: 16/5 at Bet365
Benfica to win: 3/5 at Bet365
