Benfica will host second-tier AVS at Estadio da Luz within the ultimate matchday of the Taca da Liga group stage on Thursday.
Benfica stays the favorites to advance, requiring solely a win or avoiding a two-goal defeat to safe first place over AVS.
Match Preview
Benfica’s supervisor, Roger Schmidt, heads into this important fixture after a big week, securing victories in opposition to Crimson Bull Salzburg within the Champions League and Braga within the Primeira Liga.
They lately clinched a 1-0 away victory in opposition to Braga, briefly main the Primeira Liga earlier than Sporting Lisbon’s win.
Benfica’s development within the Taca da Liga appears imminent following a 2-0 win over Arouca within the present group stage.
AVS, the youngest skilled membership in Portugal, changed CD Aves and is performing admirably within the second tier.
They’re only a level away from league leaders Santa Clara after three consecutive wins. Nevertheless, their cup performances have been inconsistent, struggling an upset loss to Dumiense within the Taca de Portugal.
Group Information
Schmidt might decide to rotate his Benfica aspect, resting key gamers like Di Maria, Rafa Silva, Joao Mario, and Trubin. Cabral, Araujo, and Jurasek may function, whereas Bah, Bernat, and Neres stay sidelined on account of accidents.
AVS supervisor Jorge Costa may additionally rotate the squad, presumably resting gamers like Nene, the influential 40-year-old striker. They’ve been efficient within the league, however their cup performances have diversified.
Predicted Lineups
Benfica: (4-3-3)
Samuel Soares;
Aursnes, Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo, Jurasek;
Chiquinho, Joao Neves, Florentino Luis;
Tengstedt, Arthur Cabral, Goncalo Guedes
AVS: (4-3-3)
Simao;
Fonseca, Ricardo Dias, Thiago Freitas, Ze Ricardo;
Joao Amorim, Fabio Pacheco, Gustavo Mendonca;
Edson Farias, Sangare, Carlos Daniel
Prediction: Benfica 2-0 AVS
Anticipating important rotations from each side, the sport would possibly lack depth. Benfica ought to safe a snug victory on residence turf, given their two-goal benefit cushion, whereas AVS might focus extra on their promotion aspirations from the second tier.
