Europa League
2013-05-15 - Benfica vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: European Europa League Final
Wednesday 15 May 2013 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Benfica
A week ago, it looked like this could be a pretty special season for Benfica, even compared with a history where they have won the biggest prize in European football. They were on for a treble as they were leading the Portuguese Primera Liga and were set to compete in the Final of the Portuguese domestic cup and the Europa League. However, their confidence may have been dented by a 2-1 defeat at Porto at the weekend, even though Benfica were leading that game 0-1.
The last minute winner for Porto saw them overtake Benfica with just one game to play and it will be interesting to see how the latter recover for this game. For now, Benfica will concentrate on the Europa League Final in Amsterdam and they have played well in the competition to knock out the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, Bordeaux, Newcastle United and Fenerbache.
Benfica have won just 2 of their last 5 games in all competitions and picking up 1 point from their last 2 League games has given Porto the advantage in the Primera Liga. The side have won just 1 of their last 4 games away from the Stadium of Light.
Chelsea
He may not ever be remembered with any fondness, but Rafa Benitez has done what he was brought in to do at Stamford Bridge this season. Chelsea have booked their place in the Champions League for next season and Benitez has the opportunity to permanently write his name in the history of this club by leaving them another European trophy following the success in the Champions League last May.
The side likely need another win in their final game in the Premier League to book their place in the Group Stage of the Champions League next season rather than having to go through the qualifiers. They have also shown their European pedigree by knocking out Sparta Prague, Steaua Bucharest, Rubin Kazan and Basel in the Europa League this season.
Chelsea bring in an 8 game unbeaten run into this Final and they have won 6 of their last 8 games in all competitions. The Blues have also begun to be very effective away from Stamford Bridge as they are unbeaten in their last 5 away games and they have won 4 of those including 3 on the spin.
Eden Hazard has been ruled out for the Final, while John Terry and Jon Mikel Obi will need to pass fitness tests. Ramires is suspended for the final Premier League game of the season, but is available to face his former club here.
Head to Head
These two teams have only met in one previous competitive European tie and that came in the last seasons Champions League Quarter Final.
Chelsea won both legs of that Quarter Final to record a 3-1 aggregate win over Benfica.
Prediction
The Final of the big competitions can sometimes be a bit of a damp squib, but I have a feeling this one will be a little better as both teams can be exposed defensively.
However, when it is all said and done, I think Chelsea have shown the better form of late and are coming into the Final on a high after booking a place in the Champions League for next season. On the other hand, Benfica must be devastated to have given Porto the advantage in the Primera Liga thanks to a last minute goal last weekend.
Chelsea at the odds look the call to me.
The Pick :
Benfica 1-2 Chelsea
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Chelsea to Win @ 2.70 (Pinnacle)
