Juventus vs Benfica Prediction - Champions League

On 29 January, all eyes will be on the Allianz Stadium as Juventus take on Benfica in a highly anticipated Champions League clash. With both teams seeking to enhance their standings in the competition, this matchup holds significant weight. Juventus, under the guidance of Thiago Motta, will be keen to maintain their solid defensive form, having conceded only 0.7 goals on average in their last seven matches.

Despite an unbeaten run in Serie A, Juventus has shown vulnerabilities in the Champions League, something Motta hopes to address. Key players such as Bremer and Juan Cabal are ruled out with long-term injuries, and recent signing Randal Kolo Muani, who had an impressive debut against Napoli, is suspended.

On the other side, Benfica, led by Bruno Lage, have shown attacking prowess, scoring an average of 4.00 goals in their last five games. However, defensive frailties persist, as demonstrated by conceding 1.9 goals on average this season.

With referee Istvan Kovacs overseeing the game, expect a tightly contested battle. Given the teams’ current form and policies, a draw seems the most likely outcome. The forecasted broken clouds and 4°C temperature could further influence a cautious approach from both sides.

Recommended bet: Draw with odds of 3.5, aligning with our match tips.

Juventus vs. Benfica Prediction & Betting Tip

For the upcoming Champions League match between Juventus and Benfica, our recommended bet is for the match to end in a draw. This prediction has been chosen based on the analysis of various match tips and facts.

• Both teams have shown a cautious approach, with Juventus’s games seeing fewer than 2.5 goals in 71% of their matches.
• Juventus concede an average of 0.7 goals per game, while Benfica concede 1.9 goals per game, indicating a balanced match.
• The last time Juventus hosted Benfica in this competition, the game ended 1-2, showing a competitive edge.

Juventus vs Benfica Odds

Let’s break down the odds for the Juventus vs. Benfica match:

Juventus are the bookmaker favorites, likely due to their home advantage and b defensive record. However, Benfica’s explosive attacking form and ability to score four goals in recent matches indicate they shouldn’t be underestimated. A draw offers great value considering both teams’ recent performances and cautious approaches on the field.

Juventus Team Analysis

Recent Form: Loss, Draw, Win, Draw, Draw Juventus have had a mixed bag of results in their recent fixtures, struggling to find consistent form. Over the last five matches, they’ve won just once, drawing three, and losing once. Despite this, their defense has shown resilience with 2 clean sheets in these games.

Juventus have averaged 1 goal per game in their last 5 matches, showing a need for improvement in their attack. The absence of Randal Kolo Muani, who impressed recently, might affect their forward play.

Juventus Key Players

Juventus will look to their key players to step up in this crucial Champions League fixture. Leading the line is Dusan Vlahovic, the squad’s top scorer with 4 goals. He’ll need to be at his best to penetrate Benfica’s defense. Teun Koopmeiners and Manuel Locatelli are pivotal in midfield, expected to control the tempo and provide creativity. Juventus fans will be hoping for resilient performances from their defense, particularly Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti, who have shown solid form recently.

Expected lineup for Juventus:

• Goalkeeper: Michele Di Gregorio
• Defenders: Weston McKennie, Pierre Kalulu, Federico Gatti, Andrea Cambiaso
• Midfielders: Teun Koopmeiners, Manuel Locatelli, Khéphren Thuram
• Attackers: Chico Conceição, Dusan Vlahovic, Nicolas González

Key battles to watch include Vlahovic versus Benfica’s experienced Nicolas Otamendi, which could be a determining factor in the outcome of the match.

Juventus Suspensions & Injuries

Juventus are dealing with several key absences due to both injuries and suspensions, which could significantly impact their performance against Benfica.

Injuries:

Suspensions:

These absences leave Juventus without some crucial players in both attack and defense. The absence of Bremer and Cabal, in particular, could put extra pressure on players like Kalulu and Gatti to step up. Additionally, with Kolo Muani suspended, Vlahovic will likely shoulder more of the scoring burden.

Juventus Tactics and Formation

Juventus Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Dusan Vlahovic
• Midfield Trio: Teun Koopmeiners, Manuel Locatelli, Khéphren Thuram

Juventus have been steady with their 4-3-3 formation under Thiago Motta. With the absences of Randal Kolo Muani due to suspension and key defenders Bremer and Juan Cabal due to injuries, the team will need better performances from Vlahovic up front and Koopmeiners directing the midfield.

Defensively, Juventus will lean on Kalulu and Gatti, both of whom have shown solid performances in recent matches. Special attention will be on their ability to keep it tight at the back, as Juventus have conceded only 0.7 goals on average this season in the Champions League.

Benfica Team Analysis

Benfica have experienced a mixed bag of recent results, showing both resilience and vulnerability on the pitch. Their recent form reads LLWWW, indicating a string of successive wins before two consecutive losses.

• Average goals scored: 4.00

Benfica’s offensive power is undeniable, with an impressive average of 4.00 goals per game in their last five outings. However, defensively, there have been lapses, as indicated by conceding goals in all but one of those matches. Coach Bruno Lage will need to address these defensive inconsistencies to ensure balance in the upcoming game. The absence of key players like Arthur Cabral due to suspension could present additional challenges.

Benfica Key Players

Benfica’s squad features several impactful players poised to make a difference in this match against Juventus. Leading the attack will be Vangelis Pavlidis, who is also the team’s top scorer with four goals. His clinical finishing will be crucial against Juventus’ defense.

Expected lineup for Benfica:

• Goalkeeper: Anatolii Trubin
• Defenders: Tomas Araújo, António Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Alexander Bah
• Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino Luís, Orkun Kökcü
• Attackers: Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Vangelis Pavlidis, Andreas Schjelderup

Watch out for Orkun Kökcü in midfield, who will likely orchestrate play and create opportunities. The duel between Pavlidis and Juventus’ center-back Federico Gatti, who has been solid in defense, will be one to watch.

Benfica Suspensions & Injuries

Benfica are facing a few notable absences due to suspensions and injuries, which could impact their performance against Juventus.

Injuries

Suspensions

These absences might affect key areas of the pitch for Benfica, especially in midfield where Renato Sanches’ creativity will be missed. Arthur Cabral’s suspension forces Benfica to look for alternate solutions up front, potentially shifting their attacking dynamic.

Benfica Tactics and Formation

Benfica’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis
• Midfield Trio: Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino Luís, Orkun Kökcü
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Frequently targets counter-attacks, utilizing their pace on the wings.

Benfica will likely opt for an attacking lineup, with Pavlidis leading the charge. The midfield trio of Aursnes, Luís, and Kökcü will be pivotal in controlling the tempo and breaking up Juventus’s plays.

Defensively, despite conceding an average of 1.9 goals per match, experienced players like Otamendi will provide a hard-to-break barrier.

Overall, Benfica might adopt a balanced approach, focusing on their speed to catch Juventus off-guard, especially due to injuries affecting their regular lineup.

Juventus vs Benfica Head-to-Head Statistics

Their last encounter ended in a close 1-2 defeat for Juventus at home in this competition. Juventus has a slight edge historically when playing at home against Benfica, but recent form suggests a tight matchup. Benfica’s attack has been prolific, with an average of 4 goals in their last 5 games, while Juventus has been disciplined defensively, achieving 2 clean sheets in the same period. Both teams are equipped with key players who could tip the balance, making this a fascinating tactical battle to watch.