Benfica v Man Utd

Manchester United have been in swashbuckling form this season but the return to European competition could lead to a slight change in tact where Ferguson has often built recent success around defence and counter-attack. This is particularly true away from home where remarkably United didn’t concede a single goal all last season.

Another interesting observation from 2010-11 is that the English champions won five out of six away matches in the Champions League but only scored one first half goal - against Chelsea - in the process. Dominating the group stages didn’t result in the steamrolling of the opposition we have grown accustomed to in recent weeks domestically. With this trend established, and Benfica always testing on their own patch, back a draw at half-time and a Man Utd win by full-time at market-leading odds of 9/2 with WilliamHill.

For those still convinced that United will win with ease, a few things other points to consider. The Primeira Liga runners-up have scored at least twice in all their home matches so far this season. Although Benfica exited the Champions League at the group stage last year, they still triumphed in two out of three games at Estadio da Luz. With Vidic and Ferdinand absent for the visitors, this will be the first test of its kind for young Phil Jones in the heart of defence. He has hugely impressed thus far, but the trip to a hostile Lisbon will be something new.

I can’t see United slipping up on their current form but this won’t be a cakewalk either. Although I correctly backed the Premier League champions to get ahead early on Saturday, this time they will surely have to work for their points until well after the interval. So quickly back Draw/Manchester United at 9/2 with Hills - it’s best price and unlikely to get shorter as kick-off approaches.