RB Salzburg vs Benfica Prediction: Di Maria to get back amongst goals

A battle for the Europa League takes place at the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday night (KO, 20:00), as RB Salzburg play host to two-time European Cup winners Benfica.

The Portuguese side have endured a dismal Champions League group stage so far, picking up a paltry one point from the 15 available to them, but they can salvage some pride with a third-place finish which would ensure European football in the second half of the season.

However, the Eagles must win by at least three goals on Tuesday if they are to leapfrog the Austrians in the table.

Team News

RB Salzburg will be without Maurits Kjaergaard, Oumar Solet and Aleksa Terzic for the visit of the reigning Liga Portugal champions, but they can count on the services of Brazilian forward Fernando after the 24-year-old made his return from injury in Saturday's 1-0 win over Rapid Vienna.

Benfica face an uphill task to finish third and their chances aren't helped by the suspension of Antonio Silva, who was sent off against Inter last month.

David Neres, Juan Bernat and Alexander Bah will all miss out again through injury.

Match Odds

The hosts are 13/8 to win and finish on seven points in Group D, with the draw priced at 12/5. Benfica are 13/10 to take the victory and give themselves a chance of Europa League qualification.

Both teams to score on Tuesday is 8/15 and it's 11/8 for BTTS - No.

Over 3.5 goals @ 13/8

Benfica have nothing to lose on Tuesday - anything less than a win by a three-goal margin will see them eliminated from European football entirely this season. Therefore, they need to score at least three goals, and that should see the Portuguese side attacking from the off.

Salzburg aren't used to sitting in and inviting pressure, so they might opt to play their usual game and see how far that gets them. It worked well last time the teams met (0-2), though the game was changed entirely by an early Benfica red card.

Benfica's last two Champions League games have seen six and four goals scored, so they've already been involved in a couple of thrillers in Group D, and this could be another with Roger Schmidt's side set to leave everything out there in their pursuit of European football in the new year.

Angel Di Maria to score anytime @ 21/10

The Argentine enjoyed a sensational start to his second coming at Benfica, scoring six goals in his opening eight games. An injury appears to have slowed down his progress, though, with just one in his next 10.

However, the World Cup and Champions League winner has proven to be the man for the big occasion many times now, with a goal in the final of the former competition last year.

At 21/10, Di Maria looks good value to find the net for the first time since October 31 and hand Benfica a lifeline as they go in search of goals in Austria.

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