Chelsea vs Benfica Predictions

• Chelsea have only won one of their last five games in all competitions
• Benfica have scored six goals in three games since Jose Mourinho returned to the club, but only kept one clean sheet
• Vangelis Pavlidis has scored five goals in his last five games for Benfica

Blues’s struggles to continue in latest European mission

Chelsea started their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, but not even a return to Stamford Bridge should aid their cause this week.

Injuries and suspensions are hitting the Blues hard at the minute and without the likes of Cole Palmer and Liam Delap, Chelsea are struggling to kill teams off.

They come into the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Brighton, which was their third defeat in four outings. Their only win this month came against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup and they should struggle to overcome a stubborn Benfica, who are now coached by their former manager Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho will be eager to avoid defeat against his former team and Benfica are unbeaten in three since he returned to their dugout earlier this month.

Entertaining affair on the cards at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s attack has suffered due to injuries, but defensively, they have been wide open. Enzo Maresca is without defenders Levi Colwill, Tosin and Adarabioyo, while Wesley Fofana is a doubt due to a concussion.

Maresca’s troops have conceded in five consecutive matches, while they have shipped 11 goals during that time.

Benfica have netted in eight matches on the bounce, but they will do well to keep a clean sheet against a team of Chelsea’s quality.

Pavlidis can shine on the big stage

Greece international Vangelis Pavlidis is the main man for Benfica in the final third and he continues to perform at a high level.

He netted 19 goals and seven assists last season and this year he continues to lead the line with class. Pavlidis was on the scoresheet when Benfica lost 3-2 to Qarabag, and he has now netted five times in as many appearances after scoring a brace against Gil Vicente last Friday.

His eye for a pass helps link play in the final third, but his recent record shows he is the man to fear in the final third.