* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Benfica and Arsenal is an aesthetically sounding matchup. You have two of the most decorated, historically-rich clubs in all of Europe coming together to battle it out – not a mismatch of PSG and RB Leipzig – two genuine clubs.
In an ideal world, Benfica and Arsenal are battling it out in European competition and it’s one of the ties of the round. Except this is the Europa League on a Thursday night, Arsenal are just about in the top half of the Premier League and Benfica are thirteen points off arch-rivals Sporting. You know what that means, folks – ring the crisis bell!
Benfica have won just one of their last six domestic league games. That’s almost unheard of for the self-declared biggest club in Portugal. Arsenal have managed to turn winning five of six Premier League games into a calamity again. This is what a true Thursday night celebration of football really looks like. And for your added enjoyment – here’s a shrewd Bet Builder to capitalise on their misery.
Thursday 8pm: Benfica v Arsenal
BT Sport 2
MORE THURSDAY TIPS:
Arsenal to Win
Much like the train of thought I have with all neutral venue games this week, I want to back the away side. And while I understand backing Arsenal is like admitting you’re believing a promise from a liar, I also know full-well that this is the worst Benfica team in 13 years.
If they went on to finish fourth, they wouldn’t have had a worse season in the Portuguese top-flight since 2001. Nothing quite like being a trend-setter is there, Jorge Jesus? He’s been in the press saying that he doesn’t believe this is a lifeline. Jorge, it had better be for your own sake.
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- Check out all the latest Football tips and previews now
- Tonight’s 7/1 BTTS Europa League acca
Under 2.5 Goals
Benfica won’t be scoring, no matter how patchwork this Arsenal backline looks. The Lisbon giants have only netted on multiple occasion in a single game since the first week of January, and that came a fortnight ago against basement side Famalicao – both goals coming in the opening seven minutes of the contest.
I fancy Arsenal to have this game in-hand early and to avoid pouring it on.
MORE THURSDAY TIPS:
Alexandre Lacazette to Have Two or More Shots on Target
Reports are coming out that Alexandre Lacazette will be out the door in the summer, and while that should mean his opportunities are limited, it also means that when he’s given the opportunity he’ll be doing his bit to prove Arteta wrong. Call it French ignorance if you want, but it works.
Arsenal to Have Five or More Shots on Target
I know this year hasn’t gone particularly well but there’s signs emerging that Arteta has binned the needless crosses and he’s actually implementing progressive football at last. Arsenal looked lethal against Leeds and while I’m sure Whites fans will point to their own elements of self-implosion, I saw more life in Arsenal than I’d seen at any point of their winning run.
Benfica v Arsenal betting tips:
Arsenal to Win
Under 2.5 Goals
Alexandre Lacazette to Have Two or More Shots on Target
Arsenal to Have Five or More Shots on Target
A Bet Builder including these four picks pays around 18/1 with Paddy Power.
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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Bet Builder Acca Insurance
If one leg of your 4+ fold Bet Builder lets you down, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Bet Builder Acca Insurance per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.
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