Chelsea vs Benfica predictions, team news, betting tips, odds and Bet Builder

Chelsea vs Benfica kick-off, date & TV info

Date Tuesday, September 30
Kick-off 8pm
Venue Stamford Bridge, London
Competition Champions League
TV TNT Sports 1

A familiar face make his return to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening as Jose Mourinho, who won eight trophies across two spells as Chelsea manager, bids to add to Enzo Maresca's recent misery in the Champions League.

Mourinho has yet to taste defeat as Benfica's new boss and will be hoping to maintain his unbeaten start against former employers Chelsea, who are depleted and feeling the heat following three defeats in four.

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Chelsea vs Benfica betting tips & predictions

Best bet

Benfica or draw double chance
1pt 13-10 BoyleSports

Player card

Enzo Barrenechea to be shown a card
15-8 Betfair, Paddy Power

Longshot

Vangelis Pavlidis first goalscorer
8-1 general

Chelsea vs Benfica preview

The Special One returns to his special place on Tuesday night as Jose Mourinho takes new club Benfica to Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho won three Premier League titles, three League Cups, one FA Cup and the Community Shield across two spells in west London, and the outspoken Portuguese returns to the Bridge seeking his first major scalp as Benfica boss.

The 62-year-old may not have expected to be back in management so quickly after he was sacked by Fenerbahce in August, and least of all at Benfica, given that the Eagles' victory over Fenerbahce in the Champions League playoffs called time on Mourinho's spell in Turkey.

However, few managers have the CV of Mourinho, who has won 26 major trophies during spells at Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter, Manchester United and Roma, so Benfica acted fast after they dismissed Bruno Lage following a humiliating 3-2 defeat to Azerbaijani champions Qarabag on matchday one.

And Mourinho has made an instant impression in Lisbon. Benfica have collected seven points from three league outings under his guidance, although a trip to Chelsea is far more demanding than domestic fixtures against AVS, Rio Ave and Gil Vicente.

That said, there may be no better time for Mourinho to return to Stamford Bridge with Enzo Maresca’s Blues battling injuries and woefully out of form.

Chelsea's only win in their last five was a 2-1 success at League One Lincoln in the EFL Cup and Trevor Chalobah’s second-half red card saw them relinquish a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 at home to Brighton on Saturday.

That followed away defeats at Manchester United in the Premier League and against Bayern Munich on matchday one of this season's Champions League, and with talisman Cole Palmer still nursing a groin injury, the Blues look there for the taking.

Talked up as potential Premier League contenders before the season began, Chelsea already find themselves seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool and their run to Club World Cup glory this summer appears to have done more damage than first feared.

Chelsea defeated Benfica 4-1 after extra-time in the last 16 of that competition but injuries and fatigue are hampering them now and there is no better tactician than Mourinho to frustrate a team struggling to maintain their discipline.

Barrenechea’s temper to be tested

Enzo Barrenechea missed Benfica’s 2-1 win at home to Gil Vicente on Friday through suspension and his desire to retrieve possession can often be detrimental.

Barrenechea has picked up five bookings in six league outings for the Eagles and his patience is certain to be tested at the Bridge.

Prolific Pavlidis provides Benfica’s outlet

Vangelis Pavlidis has netted five goals in his last five appearances and the physical Greek forward could put Chelsea, who have fallen behind in four of their last five games, on the back foot.

Chelsea vs Benfica Bet Builder

Both teams to score

Both teams have scored in six of Chelsea's last seven matches and they are counting the cost of injuries at the back.

Dodi Lukebakio to have a shot on target

The Belgian wideman has impressed in his two starts since arriving in Portugal and he had five shots, two of which hit the target, in Friday's 2-1 win at home to Gil Vicente.

Enzo Barrenechea to be shown a card

The fiery Benfica midfielder has already collect five bookings in just six Primeira Liga appearances for the visitors.

Pays out at 6-1 with bet365

Key stats for Chelsea vs Benfica

♦ Chelsea have won only one of their last five matches
♦ Benfica have lost only one of their 13 fixtures this season
♦ Both teams have scored in six of Chelsea's last seven matches
♦ Chelsea have conceded the opening goal in four of their last five games
♦ Both teams have scored in five of Benfica's last six games

Chelsea vs Benfica betting odds

Sign up with Paddy Power to bet on Chelsea vs Benfica in the Champions League. Here are the latest odds for Tuesday's match.

Market	Odds
Chelsea	8-13
Benfica	4-1
Draw	14-5

Odds correct at time of publishing

Want more top football betting advice? Make sure you take a look at Racing Post Sport's tips for more of the latest picks from our experts.

Chelsea vs Benfica team news and predicted line-ups

Chelsea

Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Tosin Adarabioyo are all on a lengthy Blues injury list. Wesley Fofana is also injured while Mykhailo Mudryk is still banned and Raheem Sterling out of favour.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Caicedo; Estevao, Fernandes, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Subs: Gusto, Badiashile, Buonanotte, Garnacho, Gittens, George, Guiu, Acheampong.

Benfica

Manu Silva, Alexander Bah, Bruma and Nuno Felix are long-term absentees for Benfica. The Eagles will also have to make do without Gianluca Prestianni, who is on international duty with Argentina U20s, but Enzo Barrenechea is available after a domestic suspension.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, A Silva, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Lukebakio, Sudakov, Aursnes; Pavlidis.
Subs: Schjelderup, Ivanovic, T Araujo, Rego, Moreira, Veloso, H Araujo, Barreiro.

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Champions League accumulator tips for Tuesday September 30: Back our acca at 8-1 with bet365

FAQs for Chelsea vs Benfica

When is Chelsea vs Benfica in the Champions League?

The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday, September 30.

Where is Chelsea vs Benfica being played?

The fixture is taking place at Stamford Bridge in London, England.

Where can I watch Chelsea vs Benfica?

The match is being aired live on TNT Sports 1.

What is the match betting for Chelsea vs Benfica?

Chelsea are the 8-13 favourites while Benfica are a 4-1 chance. The draw is available to back at 14-5.

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Aaron AshleyRacing Post Sport

Published on 29 September 2025inChampions League