Benfica have won big in both home games this season, scoring an impressive 11 goals. It remains to be seen how Academico Viseu will adapt to the top flight, and they face a tough start in Lisbon.
HTH - One Way Traffic
Benfica have a near perfect record against Academico Viseu, leading 8-0 alongside one draw.
Benfica Flying High
Benfica started the season in the second round of the Europa League qualifiers. They lost 2-1 at St. Gallen but turned it around at home, Vangelis Pavlidis scoring four goals in a 5-0 victory.
Marco Silva’s side maintained that form against Hearts in the third round first leg on Thursday.
The Eagles won 6-1 after registering 67% possession and 11-2 shots on target, Andreas Schjelderup coming off the bench to bag an assist and a goal.
Academico Back in the Top Flight
Viseu are back in the Portuguese top flight after sealing promotion on the final matchday. A 0-0 draw against Sporting B was enough to edge ahead of Torreense on goal difference.
Brazilian striker André Clóvis was the catalyst after scoring 23 goals. Soufiane Messeguem led the league with 10 assists, Cihan Kahraman close behind with eight.
Manager Sérgio Fonseca left to join AFS with former Estoril and Gil Vicente manager Bruno Pinheiro taking charge.
Pinheiro's side started the preseason with some impressive results, including a 4-1 win over Al Fateh. Academico drew 2-2 against Celta Vigo and ended with a 1-0 victory against Chaves, Clóvis with the goal.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Benfica (4-2-3-1) Anatoliy Trubin; Alexander Bah, Tomás Araújo, Clément Lenglet, Samuel Dahl; Leandro Barreiro, Enzo Barrenechea; Rafa Silva, Georgiy Sudakov, Gianluca Prestianni; Vangelis Pavlidis
Samuel Soares started against Hearts which puts Anatoly Trubin’s position in doubt. Fredrik Aursnes has gastric problems and Franjo Ivanović is dealing with a foot injury.
Andreas Schjelderup scored off the bench against Hearts and could come into the starting side. If so, Rafa Silva is a chance to replace Georgiy Sudakov in the attacking midfield role.
Academico Viseu (4-3-3) Marcos Lavín; Robinho, Anthony Correia, Nikos Michelis, Gustavo Costa; Cihan Kahraman, Luís Silva, Soufiane Messeguem; Álvaro Zamora, André Clóvis, João Guilherme
Viseu have brought in midfielders Andro Babic, Alejandro Mestanza and boosted their attack with João Guilherme and Mohamed Bouldini.