Benfica vs Marseille Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in the Europa League. Benfica aims for a first-leg advantage in their Europa League quarter-final against Marseille at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on Thursday evening. Read on for our free predictions and tips.
Europa League | Quarter-Finals | Apr 11, 2024 at 8pm UK at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Benfica vs Marseille Predictions
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Strategic Showdown: Benfica and Marseille Vie for Semi-final Spot
Key Stats
– Benfica’s Formidable Fortress: Benfica have lost only once in their last 19 matches at home across all competitions, a testament to their strength at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.
– Marseille’s Scoring Spree: Marseille have netted 24 goals in the Europa League this season, highlighting their offensive capabilities on the European stage.
– Head-to-Head History: Benfica have emerged victorious in both previous European knockout encounters against Marseille, setting a psychological precedent for this match.
Benfica’s European Journey: Despite their premature exit from the Champions League, Benfica have demonstrated commendable resilience. Transitioning to the Europa League, they have successfully navigated past Toulouse and Rangers, showcasing a blend of tactical flexibility and offensive prowess. With an average of 2.2 goals per game in Liga Portugal and a robust home record, their attacking strategy, spearheaded by Ángel Di María and Rafa Silva, appears formidable.
Marseille’s Rollercoaster Ride: Conversely, Marseille’s season has been a study in contrasts. Excelling in the Europa League with their prolific scoring, yet struggling domestically, illustrates a side capable of brilliance yet hampered by inconsistency. The sacking of Gennaro Gattuso and the subsequent appointment of Jean-Louis Gasset heralded a brief upturn in fortunes, but recent form suggests vulnerabilities, particularly away from home.
Tactical Analysis and Key Battles
Midfield Mastery: The midfield tussle between Joao Neves and Florentino Luis of Benfica and Marseille’s duo of Geoffrey Kondogbia and Jordan Veretout could dictate the flow of the game. Benfica’s superior ball possession and the dynamic presence of Neves could edge this battle, providing the platform for their attacking movements.
Defensive Dynamics: Benfica’s defensive setup, featuring Nicolas Otamendi and Antonio Silva, will be crucial in neutralising the threat of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marseille’s leading scorer. The ability of Benfica’s backline to stifle Marseille’s attacking forays, coupled with their own offensive capabilities, may well tip the scales in the Portuguese side’s favour.
Strategies and Improvements: Benfica’s reliance on their formidable home record and attacking flair is evident, but their occasional defensive lapses could be exploited. Marseille, with their erratic form yet evident scoring ability in Europe, must harness their attacking verve while shoring up a defence that has often faltered away from home.
Managerial Mind Games: Roger Schmidt’s tactical acumen has steered Benfica through choppy waters, his blend of experience and youth proving effective. Gasset, however, faces the daunting task of galvanising a talented yet underperforming Marseille side, with his strategic decisions under intense scrutiny.
Predictions
Best Bet: Benfica to Win and Both Teams to Score Benfica’s offensive statistics and formidable home record, combined with Marseille’s scoring prowess in Europe, suggest a match where both teams find the net. However, Benfica’s overall solidity and attacking options give them the edge.
Correct Score Prediction: Benfica 3-1 Marseille Considering both teams’ recent performances and Benfica’s home advantage, a 3-1 victory for the hosts aligns with their scoring averages and defensive solidity, despite Marseille’s capacity to trouble their opponents.
Goalscorer Prediction: Ángel Di María to Score Di María’s influence and goal-scoring record in the Europa League position him as a likely candidate to make a significant impact, exploiting Marseille’s defensive vulnerabilities.
First Half Result: Benfica to Lead Benfica’s tendency for strong starts, especially at home, combined with Marseille’s struggles on the road, suggests the hosts could seize an early advantage, setting the stage for a compelling encounter.
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