Benfica vs. Manchester United: Wayne Rooney Eyes Another Hat Trick in Portugal

Manchester United Opens 2011 Champions League Campaign Against Benfica

Wayne Rooney has been on fire as of late. Actually, on fire might be an understatement. In Rooney's last two matches in the English Premier League he has recorded a hat trick against Arsenal and Bolton.

The Red Devils knocked off Arsenal by a score of 8-2, and defeated Bolton by a score of 5-0 in the past two weeks.

With four consecutive victories under their belt to start the EPL season, the team now heads to Portugal to take on Benfica on September, 14th at 2:45 p.m. EST.

Manchester United is the favorite to win their group and advance through the group stages of the tournament. Rooney will be hoping his impressive form continues this week, as he looks to record his third straight hat trick for the Red Devils.

Recording back-to-back hat tricks was crazy enough, but making it three straight game would be nearly impossible.

Benfica is a better squad than Arsenal and Bolton, but they are nowhere near the caliber of United. Benfica has started their season 3-0-1 and are currently seated in second place behind FC Porto on the league table.

They have a quality defense, and one that certainly won't give up eight goals, but will they give three to Rooney?

Call me crazy, but I'm predicting a third straight hat trick for Rooney in a blowout victory for the Red Devils on the road.