Chelsea vs Benfica: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Bwin's detailed preview for Chelsea vs Benfica in the Champions League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 20:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Chelsea vs Benfica

• Date: Tuesday, 30 September 2025

• Kick-off: 20:00 BST

• Venue: Stamford Bridge

Match Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Benfica

Chelsea, coming off a disappointing loss to Bayern München, will be eager to regain their footing at home. Their recent form suggests a need for defensive solidity, which could be tested by Benfica's attacking prowess, shown in their wins against Nice and Fenerbahçe.

Expect Chelsea to control possession and look to exploit Benfica's occasional defensive lapses, particularly in transitions.

Benfica, despite a recent home loss to Qarabağ, have shown resilience and an ability to secure results against strong opposition. Their balanced approach, evident in their victories over Nice, could pose problems for Chelsea's backline. 

The game might hinge on Benfica's ability to counter-attack effectively while maintaining a disciplined defensive structure.

Chelsea's recent defeat to Bayern München highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that they will need to address against Benfica. The loss, a rare occurrence in their recent outings, suggests a need for a more robust defensive strategy.

However, their attacking talent remains potent, and they will look to leverage this at home to secure a crucial win.

Recent Champions League Results:

• Loss: 1-3 vs FC Bayern München (A)

Benfica's Champions League form has been mixed, with a notable home loss to Qarabağ, but solid wins against Nice and Fenerbahçe (Qualifying). Their ability to secure results against strong teams indicates a tactical flexibility that could be key in this match.

Benfica will need to capitalise on their counter-attacking strengths while maintaining a disciplined defensive line to challenge Chelsea effectively.

Recent Champions League Results:

• Loss: 2-3 vs Qarabağ (H)

In their Champions League encounters, Chelsea has a slight edge over Benfica, having won both matches in their last head-to-head series in 2012. Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory at home and a 1-0 win away, indicating a historical advantage that could play a psychological role in this match.

Recent Champions League Results

• Chelsea 2-1 Benfica (04 Apr 2012)

• Benfica 0-1 Chelsea (27 Mar 2012)

• Dario Essugo (Thigh) - Out

• Liam Delap (Hamstring) - Out

• Levi Colwill (Knee) - Out

• Mykhailo Mudryk (Suspended) - Out

• Cole Palmer (Groin) - Doubt

• Bruma (Achilles) - Out

• Manu (Knee) - Out

• Alexander Bah (Knee) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Sánchez, James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella, Fernández, Caicedo, Estêvão, Buonanotte, Neto, João Pedro

Chelsea's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining possession and exploiting the flanks with Cucurella and James. Their recent form indicates a need for defensive solidity, which will be crucial against Benfica's counter-attacks.

• Predicted lineup: Trubin, Dedić, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl, Ríos, Barrenechea, Sudakov, Aursnes, Pavlidis, Ivanovic

Benfica's predicted lineup emphasises a balanced approach, with Silva and Otamendi providing defensive stability. Their recent results suggest they will look to counter-attack effectively while maintaining a disciplined structure.

• João Pedro vs Silva: This duel will see Chelsea's dynamic forward João Pedro test Benfica's solid defender Silva.

• Fernández vs Ríos: Chelsea's creative midfielder Fernández will look to outmanoeuvre Benfica's industrious midfielder Ríos.

• Chalobah (Chelsea): Chalobah's versatility and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively make him a crucial player for Chelsea.

• Otamendi (Benfica): Otamendi's experience and defensive prowess will be vital for Benfica in containing Chelsea's attacking threats.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.