Boavista vs Benfica Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Portuguese Primeira Liga
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THE FACTS
When is Boavista vs Benfica on and what time does it start? Boavista vs Benfica will take place on Monday 14th August, 2023 – 20:45 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Boavista vs Benfica? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Boavista vs Benfica on in the UK? Some Portuguese Primeira Liga matches are televised on either TNT Sports or Viaplay Sports in the UK so it is worth checking their schedules
Where can I Boavista vs Benfica in the UK? If televised on either TNT Sports or Viaplay Sports, the match can be streamed on their respective streaming platforms
THE LOWDOWN
BOAVISTA
Boavista finished the 2022/23 Portuguese Primeira Liga campaign sitting firmly in the middle-of-the-table but they had an extremely inconsistent few months throughout the middle of the season. The home team began with five victories in their opening seven matches before enduring a run of just three victories in their next 19 matches as they drifted into mid-table.
Former Portugal international midfielder, Petit, has been in charge since 2021 with the aim of eventually pushing Os Axadrezados into the top six and the European qualification spots, once again. They are one of just two sides outside of ‘Os Tres Grandes’ (The Big Three) to have won the Portuguese title, alongside Belenenses.
BENFICA
Last season was absolutely exceptional for Benfica to the point that they will feel extremely disappointed with a UEFA Champions League quarter-final defeat to eventual runners’ up Internazionale in April. Roger Schmidt’s capital city club have played an intense and energetic style of football which they showcased the other day in a 2-0 win against rivals Porto in the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira.
In the summer transfer window of 2022, the club sold Darwin Nunez for a large fee to Liverpool before cashing in on Enzo Fernandez in the January transfer window to Chelsea. They, with impressive scouting alongside their strong youth team, have spent that money exceptionally well. The key signing of this window has been the re-signing of Argentine winger Angel Di Maria who was crucial in winning the FIFA World Cup as recently as last year.
THE TEAM NEWS
BOAVISTA
Throughout his tenure in charge of Boavista, Petit has preferred a 5-4-1 system with an emphasis on defensive play out-wide. The wingers would be used as ‘defensive wingers’ blocking any width from the opposition.
PREDICTED XI (5-4-1): Cesar; Malheiro, Awaziem, Abascal, Sasso, Onyemaechi; Masa, Makouta, Perez, Agra; Bozenik
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
BENFICA
Roger Schmidt has often preferred a 4-3-3 or 4-1-3-2 with his Benfica sides but, following the departure of Goncalo Ramos to Paris Saint-Germain, he used a 4-2-3-1 against Porto and with a fully fit, available squad, he is expected to use the same formation.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Bah, A.Silva, Otamendi, Ristic; Florentino, Kokcu; Di Maria, Aursnes, Joao Mario; R.Silva
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Boavista’s entire goal for this match will be to maintain a defensive shape and try and nullify the reigning Portuguese champions. As mentioned, the hosts’ plan is to try and block the opposition playing down the flanks. Fortunately for Benfica, albeit not deploying the 4-3-1-2 system like last season, they will play a fairly narrow 4-2-3-1 involving the wingers cutting inside a lot. Benfica should win this one, despite Boavista’s defensive tactics and a relatively comfortable away win is expected.
TIP: BENFICA TO WIN
