Verdict: Vangelis Pavlidis over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Knowing that they could wrap up a Champions League knockout stage ticket on Wednesday night, Juventus will welcome Benfica to Turin.
Juventus
Starting with the hosts, watching their sensational purple patch come to an abrupt end over the weekend as they slumped to a shock 1-0 loss away at Cagliari, Juventus will be seeking an immediate response on Wednesday night. However, knowing that they could wrap up a Champions League knockout stage ticket here, the Old Lady will be excited to make a return to Turin in midweek. Last seen in European action clinching a 2-0 win against Champions League debutants Pafos, Luciano Spalletti’s men have gained a reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. Including a 2-1 win against bitter domestic rivals Roma, Juventus are unbeaten in all of their 14 showdowns in Turin across all competitions so far this season. Likewise, Spalletti’s side have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters over the past 10 months.
Juventus Team News
Not making a single appearance since the end of November, Serbian striker Susan Vlahovic will once again miss out with a groin issue. Likewise, Italian international Daniele Rugani is still dealing with a calf injury and remains a major doubt on Wednesday night.
Finding the net in two of his previous three domestic appearances, summer recruit and former Lille marksman Jonathan David will lead the line here. Completing a permanent switch from Newcastle ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Lloyd Kelly will start at the heart of Juve’s defence.
Benfica
As for the visitors, claiming a welcomed boost over the weekend as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Rio Ave, Benfica will be desperate to use that gritty performance as a platform to build on. Watching their Primeira Liga title dreams take a major blow on either side of opening the New Year, Jose Mourinho’s men have won just a pair of their previous five appearances across all competitions. However, despite being pencilled in as a major underdog on Wednesday night, the Portuguese giants will certainly be excited by a shock record in Turin. Landing a 2-0 victory when they last travelled to Juventus for a Champions League showdown 12 months ago, they have won back-to-back trips to the Old Lady by an aggregate score of 4-1 and they will be looking to spring another iconic upset.
Benfica Team News
Not featuring since suffering a long-term ankle injury back in November, Belgium international Dodi Lukebakio remains on the sidelines. Likewise, missing out against Rio Ave over the weekend, Benfica are once again sweating over the fitness of summer recruit Richard Rios.
Enjoying a sensational domestic romp this season and bagging 17 goals in his 18 Primeira Liga appearances, the red-hot Vangelis Pavlidis will lead the line here. One-time Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi will start at the back on Wednesday night.
Juventus vs Benfica Key Factors to Consider
- When Benfica last travelled to Turin for a Champions League showdown 12 months ago, the Portuguese giants claimed a 2-0 victory.
- In fact, Benfica have won their previous two European trips to Turin by an aggregate score of 4-1.
- Juventus are unbeaten in all of their 14 home fixtures across all competitions so far this season.
- Benfica have recorded at least a pair of goals in eight of their previous nine showdowns outside of Lisbon.
- Greek international Vangelis Pavlidis has notched 17 goals in his 18 Primeira Liga appearances this season.
Conclusion
While Benfica might travel to Turin on Wednesday night pencilled in as a major underdog contender, the Portuguese giants will be excited by a remarkable record in Turin. Winning their previous two Champions League trips to Italy by an aggregate score of 4-1, Mourinho’s men will be confident of asking some serious questions here. Notching at least a pair of goals in eight of their last nine showdowns outside of Lisbon, Benfica are more than capable of asking some serious questions on foreign soil.
Verdict: Vangelis Pavlidis over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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