Barcelona vs Benfica Match Prediction: November 23, 2021

Match Predictions and Betting Odds

Coming into this fixture, both Barcelona and Benfica are in a similar vein of form. Barcelona have managed to secure just 2 wins in their past 6 matches (2 losses, 2 draws), while Benfica also have won just 2 of their past 6 matches (3 losses, 1 draw). Thus, the team that put in a good collective performance should walk away with a win here.

However, their last head-to-head encounter that took place in the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League in September ended in a 3-0 victory for Benfica. The worrying thing for Barcelona and head coach Xavi is the fact that only Malmo FF (4) have registered fewer shots than Barcelona (7) in the UEFA Champions League. This stat last season indicated that Barcelona had made the highest shots on goals last season (36).

However, the only encouraging stat in Barcelona’s favour is the fact that Benfica have never ever won at the Camp Nou in the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona vs Benfica Match Prediction: Team News, Probable XI

Barcelona (Probable XI):  Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Garcia, Alex Balde, Gavi, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Serginho Dest, Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati.

Benfica (Probable XI): Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lucas Verissimo, Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen, Andre Almeida, Joao Mario, Julian Weigl, Grimaldo, Rafa Silva, Roman Yaremchuk, Darwin Nunez.

Key Players and Matchups

Memphis Depay will be the player that Barcelona will be looking towards for scoring some goals and creating chances by linking with Phillipe Coutinho and Sergio Aguero. In the Spanish La Liga season 2021/22, Depay has scored a total of 4 goals in the 9 matches that he’s played so far. His vision and ability to move the ball into goal-scoring areas on the pitch (pass completion rate of 82%) has allowed Depay to set up 2 assists for his teammates.

Prediction

Despite what the head-to-head stats indicate, the appointing of Xavi as the head coach and the signing of Dani Alves into Barcelona’s squad will help boost Barcelona’s morale and defeat Benfica in this UEFA Champions League fixture.