Chelsea Clash with Benfica: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
A struggling Chelsea side will host José Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge this Tuesday evening, as Benfica make the trip to west London for the second matchday of the league phase.
The Blues have managed only one victory since the September international break (a win over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup), and their Champions League journey began with a disappointing 3–1 loss at Bayern Munich, who appear to be genuine title contenders this season.
Enzo Maresca's team has subsequently suffered consecutive Premier League defeats, with Saturday's 3–1 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion prompting the club to publicly back their manager, who is currently grappling with numerous injury concerns.
Mourinho's homecoming will steal the spotlight surrounding this match, though the three-time Premier League winner with the Blues has previously returned to SW6 as boss of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur following his second departure from Chelsea.
The Portuguese tactician replaced Bruno Lage as Benfica manager following their 3–2 loss to Qarabağ on the opening matchday, with the Lisbon club recording two victories and one draw under Mourinho's guidance thus far.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Mourinho's Stamford Bridge homecoming.
What Time Does Chelsea vs. Benfica Kick-Off?
Chelsea vs. Benfica Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Chelsea | Benfica |
|---|---|
Chelsea 1–3 Brighton - 27/09/25 | Benfica 2–1 Gil Vicente - 26/09/25 |
Lincoln City 1–2 Chelsea - 23/09/25 | Benfica 1–1 Rio Ave - 23/09/25 |
Man Utd 2–1 Chelsea - 20/09/25 | AVS 0–3 Benfica - 20/09/25 |
Bayern Munich 3–1 Chelsea - 17/09/25 | Benfica 2–3 Qarabag - 16/09/25 |
Brentford 2–2 Chelsea - 13/09/25 | Benfica 1–1 Santa Clara - 12/09/25 |
How to Watch Chelsea vs. Benfica on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate |
United States | Paramount+, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, Amazon Prime Video, ViX, TUDN USA, UniMás |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Max Mexico, Amazon Prime Video, Space Mexico |
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea remain without Cole Palmer, though they have included loan signing Facundo Buonanotte in their league phase squad, making him eligible for Tuesday's encounter.
Buonanotte was unavailable to face parent club Brighton over the weekend.
Trevoh Chalobah's ban applies only to domestic competitions, so he could maintain his centre-back position during Levi Colwill's extended absence. Colwill and Palmer represent Chelsea's most significant absentees, but the Blues are also missing Liam Delap, Dário Essugo, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana. Maresca has additionally flagged João Pedro, Moisés Caicedo and Andrey Santos as fitness concerns.
Benoît Badiashile might enter Chelsea's backline and earn his first start of the campaign, while Roméo Lavia is also ready for selection. Alejandro Garnacho has been used sparingly so far, but could be considered for a starting role on the left flank.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Benfica (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Estêvão, Fernández, Garnacho; Pedro.
Benfica Team News
Mourinho's Benfica squad boasts considerable quality, particularly in offensive positions.
Vangelis Pavlidis will spearhead the attack following an impressive 2024–25 season, having also netted twice at the weekend, while Dodi Lukébakio arrived at the club during the summer after establishing himself as a bright spot in Seville. Georgiy Sudakov is a promising Ukrainian creator who has found the net twice for Tuesday's visitors this season, and midfielder Richard Ríos was among the top performers at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Regarding injuries, Manu Silva and Alexander Bah continue to recover from long-term knee problems, while Bruma faces an extended layoff due to a torn Achilles.
Benfica Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Benfica predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedić, Otamendi, Silva, Dahl; Barrenechea, Ríos; Lukébakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Chelsea vs. Benfica Score Prediction
Is the heat beginning to intensify around Maresca, whose side keeps discovering fresh methods of self-sabotage?
Though the Italian has previously managed to adjust his system to introduce some unpredictability, his team currently appears lifeless and requires a spark. It's difficult to identify where that inspiration might emerge without Palmer available.
Mourinho's presence undoubtedly makes this a more challenging proposition for the Blues than it initially seemed, even if the "special one" appears to be losing his magic touch. Benfica possess talent and will trouble the home side, but Chelsea boast an impressive home record in this tournament and positive results typically follow when they face Portuguese opposition.