Benfica are unbeaten in 22 matches this season but a trip to Old Trafford is just about as daunting as it gets and Manchester United are worthy of support on Tuesday at the prices.
This pair are odds on to progress from Champions League Group C, they currently sit joint top with eight points each from four matches, and there was little to choose between them when they met on Matchday 1.
A Ryan Giggs strike back in September equalized Oscar Cardozo’s opener but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be eager to claim maximum points this time around.
Finishing in first place will mean United avoid the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the last 16, that trio look set to win their respective sections, and Tuesday’s hosts are extremely backable at the 1.66 offered by William Hill.
The Red Devils, Champions League finalists in three of the past four seasons, have a wonderful European record at Old Trafford and their 3-3 draw with Basel last time out was an anomaly.
United are usually terrific in front of their own fans and will have been buoyed by the news that Wayne Rooney is set to feature following an injury scare.
It is just two home defeats in 10 years in the Champions League for United, a period containing 58 matches in the world’s premiere club competition, often against top class outfits, and with plenty at stake I expect them to continue their terrific record.
Benfica, who squandered precious points against Basel last time out, are top domestically but it is just two wins from five away matches in Portugal and I don’t see them being particularly adventurous.
United, having kept five clean sheets in as many consecutive victories since their thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, could well claim the win they crave with a single goal but whatever the circumstance I think they’ll secure it and Hills’ price could look very generous at the end of the 90 minutes.
3pts Back Man Utd (vs. Benfica) @ 1.66 (William Hill)