Betting tips / Michael Lintorn / 09 December 2011 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

While happy for Benefica's performance mid-week, Michael Lintorn isn't so convinced they will follow this form through this weekend in the Champions League.

Maritimo v Benfica

Match odds: Maritimo [5.2], Benfica [1.73], The Draw [3.85]

Benfica sealed top spot in Champions League Group C with a 1-0 victory over Otelul Galati on Wednesday and haven't lost yet in either the league or in Europe, however they are likely to suffer a setback this weekend.

The joint-leaders have visited three of the six sides directly below them in the table already and have been held each time, marking the only domestic points that they have dropped all season, and fourth-placed Maritimo are in better form than most right now.

The hosts haven't tasted defeat in 14 games in all competitions and are yet to be conquered at the Estadio dos Barreiros this campaign, winning each of their last six in front of their fans.

Most impressively of all though, they actually toppled Benfica in the Portuguese Cup last weekend, ending their unbeaten start. As the table-toppers have won just one in four on their travels - and that against second-tier side Naval - their lay price of [1.74] looks hugely tempting.

Over/under 2.5 goals

Maritimo's 2-1 triumph last Friday marked the ninth time in 13 meetings that the high-flying clubs have produced over 2.5 goals, and while Benfica's clean sheet count has improved significantly of late, this one appears set to follow suit at [2.04].

Four of Maritimo's last six at home have featured three or more goals. They contributed 12 to that tally and there is little chance of them shutting out their opponents, as Benfica haven't failed to find the net in any of their 25 encounters in 2011-12. Consequently, both teams to score appeals at [1.9].

Best Bet: Lay Benfica @ [1.74]
Other Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ [1.9]