Chelsea v Benfica: Hosts to extend Stamford Bridge record

As Chelsea’s resurgence continues both domestically and in European competition, the Blues look good at 4/6 to complete a second victory in a week over Benfica.

The Portuguese visitors, who looked surprisingly lacklustre in the Estadio da Luz clash last Tuesday, are 9/2 to win at Stamford Bridge, and it looks a massive task against a team that has won all of their four home matches in Europe this term.

There is a 13/5 price about the draw, and those who noted Benfica’s two stalemates against English opposition in Manchester United earlier in the competition, may support this outcome.

Chelsea are bidding to reach a sixth Champions League semi-final in the past nine years though, and can seal an emphatic victory to further enhance Roberto Di Matteo’s chances of landing the managerial role on a permanent basis.

A convincing home success is very possible, and after putting three past Valencia and four past Napoli in their last two European outings at home, the Blues could be worth backing at 7/4 to win a match that features three or more goals.

Di Matteo’s men have also taken the lead in each of their eight Champions League matches this term, and whilst the home side look nailed on to score first at 4/9, the 1/1 odds for Chelsea to take the lead by scoring first in the first half are more appealing.

What also looks a fruitful proposition bearing in mind Chelsea’s tendency to get off on the front foot, are the 11/8 odds on the home side leading at both half-time and full-time, whilst you can get 5/2 about the Blues winning both halves.

For punters looking to place a first scorer bet, there are many worse options than Fernando Torres.

Since firing a brace in the FA Cup a fortnight ago, Torres added a Premier League goal at the weekend, and will be eager to complete a treble by getting on the scoresheet in this competition too, priced at 9/2 for the opener.