[2:45 PM] Champions League: Group B

Who will WIN this matchup?

Napoli

Benfica or Besiktas

 

Current Standings:

1: Benfica: 8 points

2: Napoli: 8 points

3: Besiktas: 7 points

4: Dyn. Kiev: 2 points

 

• Both of these sides (Napoli & Besiktas) currently occupy the top two positions in the group and the winner of this match will qualify for the next round as group winners, although both must keep their eye on the ball with Besiktas in third and only a point behind in third. Benfica and Napoli will both qualify regardless of the result in Lisbon if Besiktas slip to a surprise defeat away to already-eliminated Dynamo Kyiv. Due to the fact Napoli beat Benfica in the reverse fixture, the Italian side will also qualify with a draw here.

• Benfica have won each of their last six home matches in all competitions at an aggregate scoreline of 20-1. They did slip to a surprise defeat at the weekend, which was their first loss since the end of September. In their last Champions League outing they let a 3-0 lead slip against Besiktas to end with just a point, and Rui Vitória’s side will be devastated if that result ends up costing them a place in the next stage of the competition.

• While Dynamo Kyiv having nothing to play for going into the final group game, Besiktas can still qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. A win would put Besiktas through if Benfica and Napoli are held to a draw in the other match, but a defeat would mean Besiktas finish third and drop into the Europa League. The Turkish side can qualify with a draw, but that would only be enough if Napoli lose.

• Despite the fact Kyiv are bottom in the group with two points, this is not a straightforward match for Besiktas. The Ukrainian side have won five of the teams’ eight meetings, with Beşiktaş only winning on two occasions. Besiktas are looking to get into the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time at their sixth attempt. Four of Besiktas’ five Champions League matches have ended in a draw, which may prove their undoing once the game has finished.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Benfica or Besiktas

Confidence: 4/10

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