14th Feb 2012 | Football
Champions League Tip: Benfica
Kept their key players during the transfer window and unbeaten in the Portuguese league.
Back in December I highlighted Benfica as possible outsiders for the Champions League at 50/1. Two months later, they are the same price but an even better bet.
The first hurdle was to keep the squad together during the transfer window – mission accomplished. Midfield starlet Nicolas Gaitan is still at the club and so is Spainish Under-21 striker Rodrigo.
Not only is the team intact, so is there unbeaten record. They lead the Portuguese Primeira Liga by five points and are undefeated in all 18 league games this season.
Whilst Benfica have consolidated their strong start to the season, more fancied teams have regressed. Arsenal and Chelsea are both shorter in the betting but have structural weaknesses in their squad. Inter Milan are still inconsistent, losing to lowly Novara at the weekend. Even the mighty Barcelona have stuttered, falling ten points behind Real Madrid in La Liga.
Last-16 opponents Zenit St. Petersburg’s shouldn’t cause too many problems either, especially with striker Miguel Danny ruled out for at least six months.
Overall, the winter break has been kind to Benfica; they have got stronger whilst their rivals have weakened. At 50/1 (Boylesports) they make a great each-way bet with ½ odds if they reach the final.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 12:25 14th Feb, 2012 but subject to change
