Chelsea head into this tie under pressure after a stuttering run of results, with just one win in their last five outings (D1, L3).
Success over lower-league Lincoln in the Carabao Cup provided only temporary respite, as consecutive Premier League defeats, both marred by red cards, and a 3-1 loss at Bayern Munich on UCL matchday one have left Enzo Maresca demanding more discipline from his squad.
Benfica arrive in London with a familiar face at the helm: José Mourinho.
The Portuguese tactician, who famously delivered three league titles during his two spells at Chelsea, has made a steady start with the Eagles (W2, D1).
He inherited a side reeling from a shock 3-2 defeat to Qarabağ on matchday one, their second time this year squandering a two-goal lead in the competition, but Benfica remain dangerous travellers in Europe, winning five of their last seven UCL away games (L2).
Head-to-Head History
Chelsea boast a perfect record in this fixture, winning all four previous H2Hs, including a 4-1 victory in the FIFA Club World Cup last 16 earlier this year.
Benfica, meanwhile, are winless in their last eight matches against English opposition (D3, L5).
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Chelsea have scored in 17 of their last 18 matches.
- Each of Chelsea’s last three UCL defeats came by a two-goal margin.
- Benfica’s last nine games have featured five red cards.
- Mourinho has won just one time in his last seven visits as manager to Stamford Bridge
Key Players to Watch
- Enzo Fernández (Chelsea): Facing his former club, the Argentine has been productive with four goal involvements in his last seven matches (G3, A1) while also walking a disciplinary tightrope with two recent bookings.
- Georgiy Sudakov (Benfica): The Ukrainian midfielder has scored first in two of Benfica’s last three fixtures, and he’s unbeaten in 17 games when finding the net at club level (W15, D2).
Team News
- Chelsea: Cole Palmer remains sidelined alongside defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana, while there will be late calls on Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro.
- Benfica: Mourinho has a near full-strength squad with no fresh injury concerns reported.
Potential Lineups
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Estevao, Enzo, Neto; Joao Pedro
Benfica: 4-2-3-1 – Trubin; Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Lukebakio, Sudakov, Aursness; Pavlidis.
Where to Watch The Match
United Kingdom: TNT Sports
United States: Paramount+
Canada: DAZN Canada
India: Sony LIV
Australia: Stan Sport
Nigeria: Supersport.
Conclusion and prediction
Mourinho’s return guarantees plenty of narrative, but Chelsea’s home record and Benfica’s struggles against English clubs tilt this in the Blues’ favour, provided they avoid another costly red card, 2-1 to the Blues.
