Benfica vs Celtic Predictions

• Benfica have scored at least twice in 12 of their 15 games this season
• Both teams have scored in five of Benfica’s seven Europa League ties this term
• Celtic’s three European games this season have generated 13 goals

Portuguese outfit look too strong

Benfica looked strong in three rounds of Europa League qualifying and will fancy their chances of going deep into the competition after an impressive 2-0 win over AC Milan in their openng league stage game at the San Siro.

The Portuguese outfit scored 14 goals in their three home qualifiers against St Gallen, Hearts and AGF Aarhus, and with Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis scoring 14 goals this season, that all adds up to bad news for Celtic, who make the trip to Lisbon on Thursday.

The Bhoys earned a timely 2-0 win over Motherwell on Sunday after they fell to two defeats against their arch-rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup.

Their Champions League tie against LASK was a disaster – they lost the away leg 5-1 after a 3-0 Parkhead success – and they were unable to chake off the hangover when they lost 3-1 to HUngarian outfit Ferencvaros in their opening game in this compeittion.

Their defence looks set to struggle again and it is not surprising to see Benifca at such a short price, but the home side look strong and are taken to win a game containing at least four goals, with a 3-1 Benfica win the preferred correct-score option.