Gil Vicente v Benfica

Benfica are falling behind in the race for the Liga Portugal. They sit 10 points behind leaders Porto with just 11 games left. They are still unbeaten in the league, can they continue the run?

Gil Vicente v Benfica – Estadio Cidade de Barcelos 21:15 CET

Team News:

Mtumbo and Bamba are out while Toure and Fernandes are doubts.

Veloso and Bruma are out for Benfica who have Prestianni back from suspension.

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Formations:

4-2-3-1 for Gil Vicente under coach Cesar Peixoto. Very aggressive play and like to move the ball around. Players are not bound to positions either.

4-2-3-1 for Benfica and the usual Mourinho tactics. They need to start converting draws to wins if they want to get top 2 and UCL qualification.

Statistics:

Referee: Joao Antonio Ferreira Goncalves (Average cards 5.48 Yellow 0.41 Red)

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Match Preview:

Gil Vicente is in 5^th and are 5 points off European qualifying. At home they are strong with 7 wins from their 11 games. Recent form sees 4 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats. This years games have been riddled with red cards – 5 in the last 9 games.

Benfica are in 3^rd place in Europa League spot. They are 10 points behind leaders Porto and 6 behind Sporting. They are yet to be defeated in the league with 16 wins and 7 draws. Away they have 8 wins and 3 draws, conceding just 5 all season. Recent all competitions form is mixed with 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses – although the defeats were against Real Madrid in UCL.

Betting Preview:

Gil Vicente are strong at home but they will have their hands full with Benfica. Mourinho’s men can now fully concentrate on the league as the last month has been taken over by 1^st getting out of the group and then 2 games with Real Madrid. Now that’s over they return to Liga Portugal and will beat Gil Vicente.