Man Utd and Benfica share the lead at the top of Group C with both teams having picked up 8 points. With Basel creeping up behind them and with the importance of a first place finish to gain an ‘easier’ draw for the next round, Tuesday’s fixture at Old Trafford looks crucial. Can Benfica cause a huge upset and clinch all three points, or will the Theatre of Dreams prove to be too much of a difficult task to beat?

Manchester United – CL Form: DDWW

Back-to-back victories against group minnows Otelul Galati gave Man Utd their first wins of their Champions League campaign. Drawing in Benfica and being held in that 3-3 draw against Basel would have given Man Utd a fright. United’s home form hasn’t been as strong this season, but is still a force to be reckoned with. Their home form in the league is strong, with 5 wins out of 6 and in the European Cup they have gained four points out of a possible six, but Benfica won’t be easy opponents.

Wayne Rooney is United’s top scorer in the Champions League this season with three goals (although 2 of them were penalties against Otelul). The game has high importance and Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to name a weakened team, so Rooney looks likely at being the home side’s best shout for first goalscorer. The best odds for Rooney to be first goalscorer are 4/1 from Coral.

Man United have proven this season that they have goals in their team, but can also defend. Since the humiliation in the Manchester derby, United have kept 5 successive clean sheets and won every game. The best odds of them being the only team to score are 6/4 from bet365.

Benfica – CL Form: DWWD

Having held Man United at home, and defeating both Otelul and Basel away from home, confidence is high at the Portuguese club. In both of their away games Benfica have won and kept clean sheets. The task at Old Trafford is going to be much more difficult but the Champions League regulars shouldn’t be underestimated.

Oscar Cardozo and Bruno Cesar both have 2 goals for Benfica in this season’s competition. The best odds you can get for Cardozo to score anytime are 11/4 from Sky Bet. The best odds you can get for Bruno Cesar to score anytime are 4/1 from Blue Square.

Benfica have some quality and in Nicolas Gaitan, they have the player with the most assists in the whole competition. They are likely to cause Man United’s defence a lot of problems and could surprise many in Tuesday night’s match.

Match Prediction: Man United to win – 4/7 William Hill

Group C is poised to go to the last round of matches, but if either of these wins on Tuesday then they won’t have to worry as much in those final fixtures. Man United should have enough quality and experience to get through this encounter. Past records have seen Man United win every encounter between the two at Old Trafford, and it is most probable that they will keep up this record.

Article by Nick Whittaker