Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.

As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.

Benfica v Manchester United
Champions League
KO 19:45, ITV 1

HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
06 Dec 2006 Champions League Man Utd 3-1 Benfica
26 Sep 2006 Champions League Benfica 0-1 Man Utd
07 Dec 2005 Champions League Benfica 2-1 Man Utd
27 Sep 2005 Champions League Man Utd 2-1 Benfica
29 May 1968 European Cup Man Utd 4-1 Benfica
09 Mar 1966 European Cup Benfica 1-5 Man Utd
02 Feb 1966 European Cup Man Utd 3-2 Benfica

PREVIEW
Manchester United will look to continue their stunning start to the season when they travel to Benfica for their opening Champions League game tonight. Sir Alex Ferguson will still be hurting from United’s final defeat at Wembley four months ago and the manager will be desperately seeking a solution to the Barcelona problem.

The Red Devils were unstoppable away from home in last year’s competition and they didn’t concede a single away goal en route to the Wembley final. Many thought that United may struggle with early injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but their understudies have done a remarkable job thus far. The first choice pairing are once again missing, so the youngsters will have another chance to shine.

At the other end, the Red Devils have scored 18 goals in their first four league matches and Wayne Rooney has six goals in his past two club outings.
Benfica will be no pushovers and they can boast of a strong home record.  Jorge Jesus’ side are second in the Portuguese Liga and have won all four of their home matches across all competitions since July. The hosts are hoping to pick up their seventh European home victory on the spin tonight, having already won twice in the qualifying stages to add to their four in last year’s Europa League.

Even with home advantage, I don’t see Benfica having enough to stop the juggernaut that is United at the moment. Benfica will not have faced a side of this quality in Europe and Sir Alex’s side set up perfectly away from home. I would recommend an away win at around 2.09 on BETDAQ.

RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back United at around 2.09: 6 points
Tuesday’s Return: +9.20 points

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