Benfica vs Chelsea Prediction: Di Maria Tipped to Score in Last-16

Benfica will face Chelsea in the round-of-16 at the FIFA Club World Cup at 8pm on Saturday in a game that will be played at the Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina and televised on DAZN.

Benfica vs Chelsea Tips

The Club World Cup is bubbling nicely with representatives from across the globe reaching the knockout stages but the all-European clash between Benfica and Chelsea looks one of the more intriguing ties in the round-of-16.

The Portuguese outfit look a value bet at 5/4 to grind their way into the quarter-finals at the Premier League side’s expense.

The Eagles’ campaign looked in danger of getting off to a terrible start after they found themselves two goals down against Argentinian side Boca Juniors, but battling their way back to share the spoils seems to have galvanised the team, who were runners-up in last season’s Primeira Liga.

A 6-0 win over part-timers Auckland City was routine, but a victory over Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in their final Group C match really grabbed the headlines and they should be confident against the Blues, who have been hit and miss.

Chelsea recovered from a 3-1 defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo in their second match with a routine 3-0 success over Esperance de Tunis, but this is set to be a lot tougher for Enzo Maresca's side.

Four of Benfica’s last six matches have been level at the end of 90 minutes and another draw in regulation time looks a realistic outcome. Bruno Lage’s side will feel on top of the world after their win over Bayern and can progress to the quarter-finals.

Chelsea would love to get more from Cole Palmer as the former Manchester City man has scored just once in his last 25 appearances, instead anytime-goalscorer bettors are pointed to Benfica’s wily veteran Angel Di Maria at 7/2 to find the back of the net.

The 37-year-old knows just what is needed in massive games and comes into this clash having scored three goals already in the tournament.

Admittedly, two of those came when the Eagles outclassed minnows Auckland City, but his penalty brought Benfica back into the game against Boca Juniors, and he has had 10 efforts at goal in three games, so it is worth chancing that he has not rested upon his laurels yet and can boost his tournament goal tally.

Benfica vs Chelsea Team News

Midfielder Florentino Luis looks set to miss out after suffering a shoulder injury in Benfica’s opening draw with Boca Juniors.

The Eagles are already without long-term absentees Alexander Bah and Manu Silva, but Andrea Belotti is back in the squad after serving a suspension.

Defender Wesley Fofana is back with the Chelsea squad but still some way from a return to action after a long-term thigh injury.

Striker Nicolas Jackson is serving the second game of a two-match suspension for his red card against Flamengo, which means recent signing Liam Delap, is set to lead the line for the Blues again.

The starting lineups for Benfica vs Chelsea will be displayed below approximately one hour before kick-off.