Benfica Preview: Can the Eagles Rebound against Farense and Return to the Top of the Table?

The Eagles intend to give a firm response to the criticism and return to the top of the table, albeit in condition, but to do so, they will have to get the better of the Algarve team, which has already proven to be a tough nut to crack against the ‘big boys’.

On a national holiday – the day of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception -, Benfica welcomes Farense today, in a game of the 13th round of the League, scheduled for 6pm, at Estádio da Luz. After the draw against Moreirense, The current national champions come into this game pressured not only by the need to win, but also by the fact that the latest performances are far from the Benfica fans’ liking, who demand more and better from the team. In case of victory, the Eagles will not only return to the top of the table, albeit in condition, but they will put pressure on Sporting, who face, a day later, a complicated trip to V. Guimarães’ stronghold. However, this is anything but an easy game…

After a start on the wrong foot this month, Roger Schmidt’s team intends to give a firm response to the criticism. Today’s game is the first of a cycle of five games until the end of the year, where the margin is zero. Involved on several fronts, the eagles are put to the test, both at national and European level. On Tuesday, there is a Champions League game against Salzburg, in a match in which the Benfica team will have to win by two goals to be able to continue in the UEFA competitions, in this case in the Europa League. Five days later, there is a clash with SC Braga, in Braga, for the championship. On the 21st, there is a decisive game with AVS for the League Cup, which could dictate passage to the final four of the competition. The last match of the year will be on the 29th, at home to Famalicão.
A demanding schedule, which requires you to go step by step. Today, Benfica will not want to waste the opportunity to remain isolated, even if just for a few hours, at the top of the championship.

Advantage in direct confrontation

The two clubs have already played a total of 48 games in the championship. At Estádio da Luz, Benfica has a clear advantage over the Algarve: 23 wins in 26 games. The Faro team only has one victory: it was in 1995/96: 0-1, with a goal from Jorge Soares, who later played for the Reds. In theory, Benfica are the clear favorites, but they will need maximum concentration to get back on track to victory. In the League, they haven’t lost in 11 games.

news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">Statements by Roger Schmidt when asked about João Neves, who played 45 minutes against Moreirense, having been substituted at half-time

Roger Schmidt Preview

«It’s another opponent that will be difficult to beat and that will appear at our stadium with nothing to lose and trying to surprise. From the first minute we have to show focus, that we are in good shape and, of course, play to win the three points, which is the most important thing.”

news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">This Thursday, Benfica’s coach previewed the reception to Farense, in the 13th round of the Championship

Sistema: 4x2x3x1

Probable eleven: Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, António Silva, Morato; Kokcu, João Neves; Di María, Rafa, João Mário; Casper Tengstedt

Injured: André Gomes, Alexander Bah, David Neres, Juan Bernat

The figure: Of Mary. For the championship, the Argentine ‘angel’ has not scored since the victory (1-0) against FC Porto. However, he is the Reds’ top scorer with five goals. He has been going through a less good period since returning home, but he continues to be one of the undisputed players for the coach. Despite being 35 years old, that left foot continues to have ‘tango’ and fantasy. The collective moment doesn’t help either, but geniuses appear when you least expect them…

‘Boring’ opponent in front of title candidates

On the side of the Lions of Faro, the recently promoted team has been doing well in this return to the top tier of national football. This season, they have already beaten SC Braga (3-1) and caused serious difficulties in defeats against Sporting (2-3) and FC Porto (1-2). Against the latter, the Algarve team were only defeated in the (extensive) stoppage time (90+10).

The home defeat (1-2) against V. Guimarães, in the last round, in no way undermines the peaceful campaign of José Mota’s men in the League. Situated in a comfortable 8th place with 16 points, with a six point advantage over the water line, Farense has left no credit in the hands of others.

With only two away victories in the League, the lions conceded goals in every game played away from São Luís. However, in the last four away games, Farense always scored two or more goals, which demonstrates the team offensive. The visit to Estádio da Luz is taken with ease and the players will aim to show that they have nothing to lose on the biggest national stage.

news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">Central believes that Farense, with a “winning strategy and mentality”, will be able to try to get points this Friday, against Benfica.

José Mota’s preview

«We aim to bring points and for that we have to have very strong concentration, commitment and tactical discipline, because we know that Benfica has very strong players, not just in one-on-one, there are players who create a lot of imbalances and our preparation and our knowledge will be a very important basis for success or not.”

news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">José Mota is aware of the difficulties of this Friday’s game with Benfica, but he hopes to «unnerve» the Reds and «divide the game», remembering that there are no «invincible» teams.

Tactical Scheme: 4x2x3x1

Probable eleven: Ricardo Velho; Pastor, Zach Muscat, Gonçalo Silva, Talocha; Vítor Gonçalves, Cláudio Falcão; Mohamed Belloumi, Rafael Barbosa, Marco Matias; Bruno Duarte

Punished: Fabrício Isidoro

Injured: Zé Luís

The figure: Bruno Duarte. Since arriving in Faro, the Brazilian quickly became the reference of the Farense attack. With 726 minutes, in 12 games in the League, he has already scored four goals, being the team’s top scorer. A robust physique, good aerial play and some technical ability are some of the characteristics that define the Algarve’s number 9, an essential piece for José Mota.

2023-12-08 08:00:00
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