Man Utd v Benfica

Regular readers will know that I regard Man Utd as a great team for scoreline predictions. They are one of the most efficient teams in world football; capable of grinding out leads against most opposition before holding on vigorously. This column correctly tipped 2-0 wins for the Red Devils in both their previous two Champions League games - home and away to Otelul Galati.

The Premier League champions have won their last three domestic encounters by a 1-0 scoreline; at 13/2 (WilliamHIll) I can’t see a better bet when Benfica come to Old Trafford. A run of five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions owes much to one man. Nemanja Vidic. He missed the debacle against Man City in October but since then he has completed 90 minutes in four of the five matches, and no goals have gone in the United net.

Benfica deserve respect, and it would be a surprise if the Portuguese league leaders lost by anything but the most slender of margins. Unbeaten in four Champions League outings,  the Lisbon giants have already triumphed on their visits to Basle and Galati. They sit tied with United on eight points apiece. They dominated Ferguson’s side in a 1-1 draw on their own patch, but the hosts will still fancy their chances at the Theatre of Dreams.

United have a little more firepower and the likes of Rooney and Hernandez are looking sharp at the moment. The young Mexican striker was the difference between the sides on recent trips to Everton, and Swansea on Saturday. At 9/2 (PaddyPower) Hernandez may warrant consideration in the first goalscorer market. However, I see no value better than the masters of the 1-0 win doing it yet again at 13/2 (WilliamHill).