THURSDAY ......

EUROPA LEAGUE

BENFICA-EVERTON

I am still not 100% convinced how interested Benfica are in this tournament, as a title challenge and Champions League place is absolutely essential after a poor 08/09 and spending so much in the summer, but they are saying the right things and could hardly be in better shape at present. They have won their last six, scoring an incredible 24 goals and do not have a league game until Monday night, they are fully refreshed after a lengthy break and are confident of three points tonight. The hosts expect Everton to come at them and not sit back, which should really suit Benfica, who are happy to try and outscore their opponents.

Everton have a massive injury list and a couple more not eligible to play, with six group points already in the bag and two home games up next, they do need the points tonight and certainly do not need to collect any more injuries. They have a big game at Bolton at the weekend, big that is if they are hoping to contest a top six place this season and a cup tie at Tottenham on tuesday, I do not expect them to be at their best this evening and feel the home side could run away with this one.

6 points Benfica -3/4 ball 2.17 asian line.

Good Luck.