Benfica have won to nil in two straight matches, João Palhinha's inclusion in the side a big reason why. Gil Vicente haven’t scored in two games which is bad news before a trip to Estadio da Luz.
Key Stats
- Benfica have won their last 6 matches.
- Benfica have won to nil in their last 2 matches.
- Gil Vicente have failed to score in their last 2 games.
HTH
Benfica have a 42-6 advantage against Gil Vicente alongside seven draws. The Eagles have won eight straight encounters.
Six Straight for Benfica
Benfica have found their groove under Marco Silva, winning six straight matches including a 7-0 win at Casa Pia where Vangelis Pavlidis hit a hat-trick.
The Eagles settled for a 2-1 victory against Estoril despite having 66% possession, 25-4 shots and 2.03-0.36 xG.
João Palhinha has started the previous two games and it’s no surprise that Benfica haven’t conceded. Leandro Barreiro scored the opening two goals in a 3-0 win at Maritimo.
Silva’s side won 4-0 at Moreirense on Wednesday, never in doubt after ending with 74% possession, 9-1 shots on target and 2.99-0.38 xG. Andreas Schjelderup got the start and produced a goal and two assists.
The manager was pleased with the win: “It was a completely deserved victory, we are satisfied with a very good first half. The team maintained intensity and our identity was very present”
Goal Drought for Gil Vicente
Gil Vicente had a strong start, winning their opening two matches at home.
Héctor Hernández coming off the bench to net a late penalty in a 1-0 win over Rio Ave and scored again in a 2-0 victory against Casa Pia.
Luís Pinto’s side have been shut down in their previous two games, starting with a 0-0 draw at Familacao where they registered one shot on target and 0.27 xG.
The Barcelos were unlucky to lose 1-0 against Academico Viseu last time out. They conceded in the 4th minute and couldn’t find an equaliser, ending with 33-6 shots and 1.88-0.34 xG.
Pinto pointed to the statistics after the defeat: “Sometimes you just have to look at the data and realise that the outcome could have been different. I want to believe that if we have most of our games, we'll be happy.”
“We conceded a goal after just four minutes, the first time that's happened this season, and it shook us a bit.”
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Benfica (4-2-3-1) Samuel Soares; Daniel Banjaqui, Tomás Araújo, Clement Lenglet, Samuel Dahl; Leandro Barreiro, João Palhinha; Rafa Silva, Gianluca Prestianni, Andreas Schjelderup; Vangelis Pavlidis
Alexander Bah is out with a shoulder injury with Daniel Banjaqui to continue at right-back. Fredrik Aursnes waits for his chance to start.
It remains to be seen if Silva will persist with Georgiy Sudakov or keep the Ukrainian on the bench.
Gil Vicente (4-2-3-1) Lucão; Ricardo Esgaio, Marvin Elimbi, Jonathan Buatu, David Moreira; Zé Carlos, Andreas Lausen; Murilo Souza, Gil Martins, Joelson Fernandes; Héctor Hernández
David Moreira replaced Weverson Costa in the first half and should continue at left-back. Diogo Prioste is on loan from Benfica and is ineligible, Zé Carlos and Andreas Lausen to start in midfield.
Mohamed Bamba, Santi García and Walace França are injured.