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THE FACTS
When is Real Sociedad vs Benfica on and what time does it start? Real Sociedad vs Benfica will take place on Wednesday 8th November, 2023 – 17:45 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Real Sociedad vs Benfica? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Real Sociedad vs Benfica on in the UK? Real Sociedad vs Benfica will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Real Sociedad vs Benfica in the UK? Real Sociedad vs Benfica can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
REAL SOCIEDAD
Real Sociedad’s journey across this Champions League have been one of stories of the competition so far this season. They sit proudly top of Group D with seven points to their name, having drawn against last season’s runners-up Inter Milan, not to mention beating both Salzburg and Benfica. They most recently came to Lisbon and overcame their opponents here by a goal to nil.
Brais Mendez has been one of the stand-out performers across the tournament for Real Sociedad, scoring in each of their games and will no doubt hope to play a big part again this time round. 26-year-old Mikel Oyarzabel is also a huge threat for the home team and has combined excellently with Mendez.
BENFICA
Many wouldn’t have expected Benfica to be propping up Group D with no points after three games of the group stage. But that’s exactly where Roger Schmidt’s side find themselves following three consecutive defeats. After a shock loss to Salzburg in the opening round of group games, the Portuguese giants have since been beaten by Inter Milan in Italy and at home again last time out, this time to Real Sociedad.
Benfica do come into this game in good form, having recorded back-to-back wins domestically in both the league and cup. But the Champions League represents a significantly tougher challenge and with the stakes high, Benfica are now left with no room for error across their remaining three group fixtures.
THE TEAM NEWS
REAL SOCIEDAD
Kieran Tierney remains out with a hamstring injury, whilst both Hamari Traore and Ander Barrenetxea and doubtful after both being withdrawn against Barcelona at the weekend. The likelihood is that right-back Traore will be passed fit to play, but Ander Barrenetxea won’t be, which may open the door for striker Carlos Fernandez to feature.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Fernandez, Oyarzabal
UNAVAILABLE: Tierney (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Barrenetxea (Fitness), Traore (Fitness)
BENFICA
When taking into account Benfica’s injury problems at full-back with both Alexander Bah and Juan Bernat out for this game, Schmidt is likely to stick with the back three utilised this past Saturday against Chaves with Morato partnering Antonio Silva and Nicolas Otamendi. Joao Neves should fill in again at right-wing-back.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Trubin; Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Morato; Neves, Florentino, Mario, Aursnes; Di Maria, Musa, Rafa Silva
UNAVAILABLE: Bah (Injured), Bernat (Injured), Kokcu (Injured), Neres (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
It’s been a nightmare group stage campaign for Benfica and they now have no option but to throw caution to the wind, with anything other than victory ending their chances of knockout qualification. Expect them to push bodies forward, even if it means sacrificing a level of defensive stability. Whilst this may see them gain success offensively, Real Sociedad are a strong attacking outfit who should thrive with extra space inside the opposition half. Therefore, backing both teams to score has to be favoured.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE