Benfica vs. Chelsea: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Benfica's surprise win over Bayern Munich in their final group game has set up this clash with Chelsea and that is good news for the Blues, who have a slightly easier route through the knockout stages as a result.

Should the Premier League side win this contest then either Palmeiras or Botafogo lie in wait and Enzo Maresca's men will fancy their chances against either.

First, they must take care of the Portuguese giants who topped Group C courtesy of their win over the German champions, but that may not be straightforward, as the Eagles are unbeaten in the competition and showed they are up for the fight when coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Boca Juniors in their opening match.

Chelsea have won all three meetings with Benfica, but this promises to be a tight encounter which could swing either way.

Benfica vs. Chelsea betting picks and predictions

Draw & both teams to score (+350)

Chelsea looked to be running out of steam in their last two matches and they may struggle to lift themselves for this last-16 clash.

The sweltering heat hasn't helped and that could be an issue once again when they take on Benfica in Charlotte on Saturday.

That could hand a slight advantage to the Portuguese side who are more accustomed to hotter conditions, but Chelsea possess a great depth of quality in their squad which could help overcome that hindrance, so backing a draw in which both teams score could be the best bet.

Four of Benfica’s last six matches have been 90-minute draws, while the Lisbon side are unbeaten in 16 matches within normal time.

Chelsea took 45 minutes to break down Moroccan side Esperance in their third group match, and Benfica will look to keep things tight in the early stages too.

However, the heat could take its toll and both teams will fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet.

Two of the three meetings between these two teams have seen goals at both ends and this crucial contest could follow suit.

The Blues have kept a clean sheet in four of their last six matches, but the last time they faced top-quality opposition, they conceded three goals to Flamengo and gave up eight shots on target.

Over 3.5 Benfica shots on target (-110)

Chelsea gave up eight shots on target in their 3-1 loss to Flamengo and four in their opening victory over Los Angeles, so backing Benfica to register at least four could pay off this Saturday.

Esperance didn't manage any in Chelsea's final match of the group phase, but the Eagles are a huge step in class and possess the attacking talent to put the west London side under some pressure.

Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis and Karem Akturkoglu all pose a genuine threat in attack, while Andreas Schjelderup will be full of beans after scoring the winner against Bayern Munich.

A long season could be catching up with Chelsea, while the sweltering heat could lead to a lethargic performance, so Benfica could get plenty of chances at the Blues' goal.

Angel Di Maria to score at any time (+400)

Angel Di Maria has bagged three goals at this summer's Club World Cup and the Argentinian veteran looks great value to add to his tally against Chelsea.

All three goals have come from the penalty spot and with Benfica fancied to put Chelsea under some pressure, there may be scope to expect more chances to come Di Maria's way.

Di Maria has scored four career goals against Chelsea in his time at Manchester United and Chelsea and he is worth backing at a decent price to extend that record this week.

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Benfica vs. Chelsea odds

Benfica	+260
Tie	+250
Chelsea	+105

Benfica vs. Chelsea player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)	+140
Christoper Nkunku (Chelsea)	+200
Liam Delap (Chelsea)	+200
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)	+200
Marc Guiu (Chelsea)	+240
Pedro Neto (Chelsea)	+250

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.