Benfica vs Fulham predictions for this pre-season clash. Fulham play their first summer friendly against Benfica in Portugal on Friday night, led by Marco Silva. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Club Friendlies | Aug 2, 2024 at 8pm UK at Estadio Do Algarve
Benfica vs Fulham Predictions
[wptb id=418957]
Can Fulham Withstand Benfica’s Pre-Season Momentum?
Key Stats
Benfica have averaged 2.3 goals per game in their pre-season friendlies, showcasing their attacking potency.
Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz has been a standout performer, expected to lead the line against Benfica.
Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis has scored twice in their most recent match, highlighting his threat in front of goal.
Fulham are set to play their first official friendly of the summer on Friday night against Portuguese giants Benfica. Marco Silva’s squad will use this match as part of their preparations for the 2024-25 Premier League season, which begins against Manchester United on August 16. Meanwhile, Benfica are gearing up for their domestic campaign opener against Famalicao on August 11.
Match Preview
Benfica have been active this summer, engaging in five friendlies, achieving three victories and two draws. Their most recent match saw them triumph 5-0 over Feyenoord, highlighting their offensive prowess. This encounter against Fulham is their final pre-season fixture before they kick off the new Primeira Liga season. The club finished second in the Portuguese league last season, ten points behind Sporting Lisbon, and they aim to contest for the title this term. Key summer signing Vangelis Pavlidis from AZ Alkmaar is expected to play a crucial role.
Fulham, on the other hand, have kept a relatively low profile this summer, with two behind-closed-doors friendlies resulting in wins over Queens Park Rangers and Watford. This game against Benfica marks their first official pre-season match. The London club will also face Sevilla and Hoffenheim in their pre-season schedule before starting their Premier League campaign. Fulham have seen some squad changes, with Joao Palhinha departing for Bayern Munich and Tosin Adarabioyo joining Chelsea, while Ryan Sessegnon has returned to the club and Emile Smith Rowe is expected to join from Arsenal.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Benfica's coach Roger Schmidt is likely to start Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored twice against Feyenoord. The team will feature key players like Antonio Silva and David Neres, while Joao Neves, who is on the verge of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, will be absent. Benfica's expected lineup is:
Benfica (4-2-3-1):
Trubin; Bah, Araujo, A Silva, Beste; Florentino, Barreiro; Mario, Prestianni, Neres; Pavlidis
For Fulham, new signing Ryan Sessegnon might come off the bench, with Rodrigo Muniz expected to lead the attack. Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed will likely feature in midfield, while Andreas Pereira, despite transfer speculation, is expected to start. Fulham's probable lineup is:
Fulham (4-2-3-1):
Leno; Mbabu, Diop, Bassey, Castagne; Reed, Cairney; Pereira, Iwobi, Muniz; Stansfield
Tactical Analysis and Key Battles
The midfield duel will be pivotal, with Benfica's Florentino and Barreiro set to confront Fulham's Reed and Cairney. Benfica's attacking trio, particularly Pavlidis and Neres, will test Fulham's backline, which has seen significant changes. Fulham's attack, led by Muniz, will aim to exploit any defensive lapses by Benfica.
Benfica are likely to dominate possession, given their pre-season form and tactical setup. Fulham will need to be resilient in defence and sharp on the counter-attack. The match could be decided by the ability of either side to control the midfield and create clear-cut chances.
Expected Gameplay
Benfica will probably aim to control the game from the outset, leveraging their superior match fitness and recent form. Fulham, still finding their rhythm, might adopt a cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and looking to hit on the counter. The tempo and intensity are likely to favour Benfica, especially in the first half.
Key Statistics
Benfica's average BettingTips4You Expert Rating ranks them first in their competition, reflecting their dominance. They have an average of 2.3 goals per game and maintain high ball possession at 59.3%. Their attacking efficiency is underscored by 17.3 shots per game, with 7.1 on target.
Fulham, ranked 12th in the Premier League, averaged 1.4 goals per game last season and conceded 1.6. Their passing accuracy is decent at 82.5%, but they face a stern test against Benfica's high pressing and technical play.
Critical Assessment
Benfica's pre-season has been impressive, demonstrating both attacking flair and defensive solidity. Their extended preparation gives them a significant edge over Fulham, who are just starting their pre-season. Fulham's defensive changes and lack of match fitness might expose them to Benfica's relentless pressure.
Fulham's pre-season strategy under Marco Silva will be tested. The absence of key players and the integration of new signings like Sessegnon and Smith Rowe might disrupt their cohesion. Silva's tactical flexibility will be crucial in adapting to Benfica's dominant style.
Managerial Analysis
Roger Schmidt's tactical approach has been effective, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions. His ability to rotate players without disrupting the team's rhythm has been commendable. Conversely, Marco Silva faces a challenge in balancing preparation and integrating new players. Silva's tactical adjustments will be critical in countering Benfica's well-oiled machine.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Best Bet: Benfica -1 to Win Considering Benfica's superior match fitness and recent form, a win by at least two goals seems plausible. Fulham's lack of competitive matches and defensive restructuring may leave them vulnerable.
Correct Score Prediction: Benfica 3-1 Fulham Reflecting Benfica's attacking prowess and Fulham's defensive vulnerabilities, a 3-1 scoreline aligns with the expected dynamics. Benfica are likely to dominate, but Fulham could find a goal through a counter-attack or set piece.
Goalscorer Prediction: Vangelis Pavlidis to Score Pavlidis has been in excellent form, and his ability to find the net makes him a prime candidate to score. His positioning and finishing skills will be key against Fulham's backline.
Which Team Will Score First: Benfica Given their attacking intensity and Fulham's probable cautious start, Benfica are likely to open the scoring. Their early dominance could see them netting the first goal within the first half.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target Over 6.5 Both teams' attacking tendencies and Benfica's high shot averages make this an appealing market. Benfica's average of 7.1 shots on target per game suggests they could surpass this threshold.in's 6.3 indicate a high likelihood of surpassing this threshold.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
