Frankfurt's fortunes favour the brave
The Europa League is living up to expectations this season and one of the standout ties is an illustrious Benfica taking on an in-form and flying Eintracht Frankfurt. The Germans are hoping their trip to Lisbon will leave them in a solid position to go through to the next round.
Group stage set up
Unbelievably Frankfurt are undefeated in the Europa League this season. They came out of their group top of the pops with max points, seeing off the likes of more seasoned sides in Lazio and Marseille in the process.
It’s been full steam ahead ever since for Frankfurt
At home they roared Lazio and Marseille scoring four goals apiece and showed the pomp and grit of a more experienced side in Europe. It’s been full steam ahead ever since for Frankfurt.
Frankfurt at home
To add to their European exploits, Frankfurt are undefeated in the league in an incredible 11 game streak, stretching back to their opening fixture back in January after the winter break. To put it into perspective their last loss was away to Bayern Munich in December.
It’s no wonder they’re Germany’s surprise package this season, looking likely to book a place in next year’s Champions League with a four point gap between them and fifth placed Borussia Mönchengladbach.
It’s a knockout
There’s a chance they’ll play it safe in the first leg it has to be said. They did draw their other two first leg knockouts, waiting for the second leg to pull the final punch.
They struggled for a 2-2 against Shakhtar Donetsk in eastern Ukraine only to see them off at home a week later to book their spot in the round of 16 against Inter Milan.
After weathering a tight and frustrating match against an unpredictable Inter side they denied the Italians a much needed away goal. Their backs were against the wall in Milan but they got the job done.
Benfica risk factor
Benfica’s home form in the Portuguese Primeira Liga is simply scintillating this season. Their European form is a little more choppy which makes them a little hard to predict when they’re matching up against one of Europe’s most in-form outfits.
But Benfica are embroiled in a tense battle for the title at the top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. They need to satisfy all the points they can get if they have a hope of pulling away from Porto. The pressure is on them at home, not their opponents, to get the job done tonight.
Betting tip
I’m going for an Eintracht Frankfurt draw no bet for this one. It’s true that this is a risky stake and that’s why the odds are reflective of that at 11/8 (2.38).
Benfica have an incredible record at home in the league, but they’re miles ahead of their opposition in Portugal which is why their struggles in Europe are more reflective of this tie.
Frankfurt on the other hand are bossing the Europa League this season knocking out everyone in their path. Form is one of the best markers for backing a team for a bet. That’s why it’s worth looking at Frankfurt for this one with the failsafe of a draw no bet for money back. The best odds are with Unibet at 11/8.
