Football Bet of the Day for Wednesday: Fenerbahce vs Benfica. Our expert tips Pavlidis to be protagonist in the Champions League play-off.
One of our trusted experts, known for his deep knowledge of European football, has picked this game as Today’s Best Bet, and the selection makes plenty of sense.
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⚽ Football Bet of the Day
Fenerbahce vs Benfica
Wolfgang Shotten; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Both Teams To Score | |
10/11 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Derby are chaotic defensively but dangerous in attack, while Bristol City are unbeaten and carry enough quality to exploit gaps. Both sides will believe they can win, and with Pride Park demanding a response, goals at both ends look inevitable. The best bet of Friday is both teams to score. | |
📈 Three Key Stats Behind Today’s Best Bet
- Benfica have won four consecutive matches without conceding a single goal.
- Vangelis Pavlidis struck 30 times in all competitions last season.
- Fenerbahce have lost three of their last four encounters against Benfica.
WHY BETTING WITH WILLIAM HILL? | |
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Rationale:
This evening’s Champions League play-off at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium brings together two sides with vastly different European histories at this stage. Fenerbahce are chasing their first appearance in the group stage since 2008-09, while Benfica are aiming for a fifth successive entry, underlining their experience at this level.
The Turkish outfit advanced by overcoming Feyenoord in a thrilling third-round tie, edging the Dutch giants 6-4 on aggregate thanks to an emphatic home performance. However, they were far less convincing domestically at the weekend, managing only a single shot on target in a goalless draw against Goztepe. That inconsistency raises doubts about their ability to trouble a well-drilled Benfica side.
Benfica, in contrast, arrive with confidence high after winning four games on the bounce without conceding a goal. Bruno Lage’s side secured the Portuguese Super Cup with victory over Sporting Lisbon and cruised past Nice with ease in the previous qualifying round. Their defensive organisation and clinical attack mark them out as serious contenders.
The Eagles’ primary attacking weapon remains Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored 30 goals across competitions last season. Already off the mark in this campaign with two strikes, he looks sharp and well supported by new signing Franjo Ivanovic. Pavlidis’s clever positioning and ability to exploit defensive lapses make him a constant menace, and against a Fenerbahce backline still adjusting without Rodrigo Becao, his chances to find the net look strong.
History suggests Benfica struggle in Turkey, having failed to win away at Fenerbahce in three attempts. Yet this current Benfica team appear more resilient, particularly with Pavlidis spearheading their attack. He is the kind of forward capable of turning a tight first leg into an advantage, and his form makes him the standout betting option today.
✅ Best Bet: Vangelis Pavlidis to score anytime
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