Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Match Prediction: August 4, 2021
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August 4, 2021 12:00 pm
Contents
Date: August 4th, 2021
Venue: Otkritie Arena, Russia
Two sides that have been regulars in the group stages of the Champions League will be once again looking to make their way into the first round proper.
Neither Spartak Moscow or Benfica have been able to reach the heights of previous years recently, but a new season presents a big opportunity to refresh and go again, both domestically and in European football.
Spartak Moscow
It has been a slow start to the season in Russia for Spartak Moscow, who find themselves 9th with just two games played.
Consistency will be something they are looking to improve upon here and they will see reaching the group stages of the Champions League as an achievable goal.
Aleksandr Maksimenko is a solid presence in goal for Spartak, who will be desperate not to concede an away goal in the first leg in Moscow.
Samuel Gigot has looked the part at centre back in recent times, with the Frenchman known for his tenacity and former Premier League star Victor Moses will be on hand to provide flair further up the field.
Aleksandr Sobolev is a prolific goal scorer, and he will be the man Spartak look towards when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net.
Benfica
Portuguese giants Benfica endured a tough season last year, losing out to Sporting Lisbon and Porto domestically and are having to qualify for the Champions League as a result.
They are a side packed with huge talents, but they have lost some of their best players in recent times with the likes of Ederson and Ruben Dias both departing the club.
Nicolas Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen are two stalwarts in defence, and they will be looked towards again for stability at the back this season.
The Benfica midfield is packed with quality with Adel Taarabt, Pizzi and Gedson Fernandes all tasked with providing creativity and industry.
Carlos Vinicius is a striker on the up and he will be looking to make a name for himself here and push Benfica towards the Champions League group stages.
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Match Odds
Spartak Moscow – $3.1
Benfica – $2.38
Draw – $3.45
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Best Bets
| Aleksandr Sobolev to score anytime | $2.95 |
| Both teams to score in the match – YES | $1.8 |
| Under 2.5 goals in the game | $2.15 |
| The match to finish as a draw | $3.45 |
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica – Match Prediction
The stakes could not be higher for both these sides, with a huge sense of expectation for both clubs in terms of Champions League participation.
With two legs to play, this could be a cagey affair in Russia and with very little to split the sides, just edging ahead will prove crucial.
Neither side will want to be out of the tie following this leg, making the draw the most likely result.
Predicted Result: The match to finish as a draw – $3.45.
Predicted Correct Score: Spartak Moscow 1 – 1 Benfica – $7
