THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE continues on Wednesday night. Here Ben Levene (@BenLevene96) picks out his favourite fancy from Manchester United's trip to Lisbon to face Benfica.
Benfica v Manchester United | Wednesday 18th October 2017, 19:45 | BT Sport
Benfica have lost both of their Champions League games so far this season, including a 5-0 drubbing in Basel last time out. They’ve been unconvincing domestically too with Rui Vitoria’s team winning just one of their last four in the league and already trailing rivals Sporting and Porto.
Mourinho’s Man Utd United drew at Liverpool at the weekend in typical pragmatic style. In the Champions League however, United have performed with more style. They’ve won both games by three goals.
In fact, seven of United’s nine wins so far this season have been won by three or more goals and that’s a by-product of their style of play.
Once they take the lead, Mourinho’s side have the ability to soak up pressure and pick teams off on the counter, especially with the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku a constant threat running in behind.
The betting angle
Mourinho’s cautious nature may mean he is a content with a draw this Wednesday, so I’d be wary of going to heavy on any handicaps in terms of United.
Instead, United -0.75 on Asian Handicap at 109/100 (Bet365) looks a shrewd move. Half our stake is paid out as a winner (leading to marginal profit) if Man Utd win by the single goal, while if they win by a greater margin, our whole stake wins at 109/100.
Best Bets
Benfica v Manchester United – Manchester United -0.75 Asian Handicap (109/100 Bet365)
