Prediction and odds for the game: Benfica (5/6) vs Rangers (16/5)
We are backing the draw at odds of 11/4
When: Thursday, 5th November 2020, Kick-off 17:55
Where: The Estadio da Luz
On Thursday evening, Benfica host Rangers at the Estadio da Luz in Group D of the Europa League, as the two teams look to gain an advantage in the race to win the group.
Benfica
The Portuguese side are experiencing a decent campaign all around. Jorge Jesus’ team are second place in the Primeira Liga table and also top of Group D in the Europa League due to superior goal difference to the visitors.
The Eagles recent form was formidable in fact, until last time out when they suffered a 3-0 defeat at Boavista. The defeat ended a seven-game winning run in all competitions for the home side. The loss also ended a prolific run of form in front of goal for Benfica, as they had scored at least two goals in all seven of their straight wins.
When it comes to the Europa League, Benfica have beaten Lech Poznan 4-2 before a 3-0 win over Standard Liege last time out in the competition. The good start to this season’s competition ended a three-game winless run in this competition for the Eagles.
The hosts have lost just one of their last 25 home games in the Europa League. Rangers could prove a good test of their good home record in the competition.
Rangers
The Scottish league leaders head into this clash in superb form. Steven Gerrard’s team have recorded nine straight wins in all competitions, including beating Standard Liege 2-0 and Lech Poznan 1-0 in their last European outing.
One of the key’s to the Gers’ recent good form has been solid defensive displays, as the visitors have kept six straight clean sheets. The good defensive performances have contributed to there being under 2.5 goals scored in their last six competitive outings.
Rangers have a good recent record in European football’s secondary competition, recording five straight victories. The visitor’s defensive qualities have been on full display in their European campaign so far, as they have conceded just one goal in their last five games.
The Scottish team’s away record in the Europa League has seen a big improvement, as they have now won four of their previous five matches on their travels. They have also kept four clean sheets in all those recent wins.
Conclusion
These two teams head into this clash in good form and its tough to choose between the pair. Therefore we are backing the draw. The Rangers defence have been tough to get past in recent games, so we believe that will contribute to this game producing under 2.5 goals.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 11/4 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 10/11. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top between these two in-form teams?
