Chelsea vs Benfica Match Preview” border=”0″ />Date: Tuesday, 30th September 2025
Kick-off: 8:00 pm
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Match Official: Daniel Siebert (Germany)
Goal Scorers:
Team Updates
Chelsea
Starting with some positive news for Chelsea, Trevoh Chalobah‘s red card from the weekend clash will not affect his eligibility for this Champions League fixture. Additionally, Facundo Buonanotte returns to the squad after missing the recent match against his parent club.
However, the Blues continue to grapple with a series of injuries. Key players such as Cole Palmer (groin), Levi Colwill (knee), Liam Delap (thigh), Dario Essugo (thigh), Tosin Adarabioyo (calf), and Wesley Fofana (head) remain sidelined. Meanwhile, Mykhaylo Mudryk’s suspension due to doping allegations remains unresolved.
Given Chalobah’s impending suspension in the Premier League next weekend against Liverpool, manager Maresca is likely to keep him in the lineup for this game. There is also a possibility of integrating Benoit Badiashile and Malo Gusto into the defensive unit. In midfield and attack, Romeo Lavia and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to push for starting roles.
Projected Chelsea XI:
Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia; Estevao, Buonanotte, Garnacho; Pedro
Benfica
Benfica, under Mourinho’s guidance, are also facing fitness challenges. Manu Silva and Alexander Bah are currently on the mend from ACL injuries, while winger Bruma’s Achilles tendon rupture could sideline him until next year.
The Eagles’ offensive options have been further limited by the absence of 19-year-old Gianluca Prestianni, who is representing Argentina at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile. Nevertheless, their attacking spearhead Vangelis Pavlidis remains in fine form. The 26-year-old striker netted both goals in Benfica’s recent victory over Gil Vicente and has already tallied seven goals across all competitions this season.
Midfielder Enzo Barrenechea missed the last Primeira Liga match due to suspension but is now available for selection.
Likely Benfica Starting XI:
Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, A. Silva, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Lukebakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
Match Prediction: Chelsea 2 – 1 Benfica