Benfica vs. Academica: Portuguese Primeira Liga Week 5 Preview
Having already secured a 1-1 draw against the mighty Manchester United earlier this week, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus’s team will be brimming with confidence as they host 4thplaced Academica at the Estadio da Luz on Sunday.
Benfica:
The Reds held Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 Cardozo slamming home a great goal in the process.
Manager Jorge Jesus has been able to assemble a quality squad over the summer, which is capable of challenging anyone on their day and their opening fixtures have reflected on that.
Their Liga Sagres form has been superb this season and they are yet to lose a single game, which places the 2nd in the table just behind leaders, FC Porto.
Academica:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 last month.
However, Academica bounced back and were able to overcome Nacional with four goals last time, with Eder getting on the score sheet twice.
But scoring against a true juggernaut like Benfica is a different proposition, and the Students will have to do their homework before travelling to the Stadium of Light this weekend.
Team News:
Benfica:
With no major injuries to his talented bunch of players, Coach Jorge Jesus is likely to field the same side he did for the visit of Manchester United.
Oscar Cardozo, Luisao and Nicolas Gaitan shined against the Red Devils and are going to be the first names on the manager’s team sheet. Left-back http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joan-Capdevila-c18631, while Maximiliano Pereira is also set to continue his
good form.
The only possible change could be of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javier-Saviola-c18090, who did not feature in the UEFA Champions League game and will be raring to go against Academica.
Jorge Jesus could also be keeping one eye on his next opponents, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186, and that might possibly affect his starting line-up this time around.
Academica:
Following their 4-0 demolition of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nacional-c39984, Pedro Emanuel will again be looking to his players for a good performance and they are also targeting a result against the Lisbon giants.
The tactician was keen to address that while his side are faced with an arduous task against the Eagles, they will not give up without a fight and will be looking to inflict some damage upon their opponents with whatever they have.
“It is a fight of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Goliath-c15093 but we will fight for three points,” he said.
Similarly, club goalkeeper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Romuald-Peiser-c31686 also lavished praise on Benfica and said that nothing other than the best effort from his team could secure any positive result against them.
“We know that Benfica has a very strong team, every player plays by their selection, are a good time as is the case of Cardozo and Gaitan, as well as Nolito, who also started the championship very well, and we have to be very concentrated,” the former Naval
man said.
On the injury front, there was news that Pape Sow has started light training and could be in contention for this one. However, Helder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santos-c40446.
Key Players:
Benfica: Oscar Cardozo
The mercurial Paraguayan attacker looks to finally be at his best and his goal against Manchester United reflected on his confidence. With him leading the line, there are bound to be goals in the game.
Academica: Éderzito António
Éderzito António or more commonly known as Eder has been a surprise package of the Portuguese Primeira Liga this season. The front-man has so far netted thrice, including a brace against Nacional and will be looking to add his tally against Benfica.
Prediction:
Benfica 2:0 Academica
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