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Another European night looms, and the players in our Benfica vs Real Sociedad predicted lineups will have to shine this Tuesday evening.
There is a lot at stake for both sides already – especially the hosts. Two defeats in their first two Champions League games have put them in a very tough spot. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are top of the group at the moment, and there is no doubt that a win against Benfica in Lisbon would get Takefusa Kubo and his teammates closer to the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
The match will take place at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon and kick off is scheduled for 20:00 UK Time.
Benfica vs Real Sociedad predicted lineups
Contents
Benfica vs Real Sociedad Champions League team news
Benfica
The main concern for Roger Schmidt before the clash against Real Sociedad is a major one. Angel Di Maria has been injured for a couple weeks. He was subbed off injured against Inter and is yet to be seen on the pitch since then. Alexander Bah has also been missing lately, but according to Roger Schmidt both players trained normally earlier this week.
He might not want to take any risks, but considering how important this game is, Benfica could be obliged to play both of them. There is a chance that Fredrik Aursnes will take the right back position though. The Norwegian player can play almost everywhere on the pitch, and his versatility will be very useful to Roger Schmidt.
If Di Maria cannot play, there is absolutely no doubt that David Neres will start on the right wing. The Brazilian has been inconsistent this season, but has been a threat to Benfica’s opponents nonetheless.
In the left back position, Juan Bernat should start, as he is more experienced and has more play time than David Jurasek. And up front, Petar Musa is the most likely starter, even though Arthur Cabral’s first goal for Benfica in the Portuguese Cup could impact on the existing hierarchy.
Benfica predicted lineup
Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Bernat; Kokçu, Neves; Neres, Rafa, João Mario; Musa
Real Sociedad
With André Silva and Martin Merquelanz out and Kieran Tierney still not 100% fit, most of the names for the upcoming game are predictable.
This is even more the case after their game against Mallorca, where Imanol Alguacil Barrenetxea rotated his main team and still got the three points. He rested Ander Barrenetxea, Traoré, Kubo and Le Normand – all regular starters for the Basque team.
If Tierney is indeed out for the game against Benfica, Aihen Muñoz should step in. He saved the day against Mallorca with a clearance off the line, and had a very decent game overall.
Real Sociedad predicted lineup
Remiro; Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen; Zubimendi, Brais Méndez, Merino; Take, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Feature duel: Take vs Juan Bernat
Takefusa Kubo is Real Sociedad’s MVP so far this season, being crowned the Player of the Month of September in LaLiga. The former Real Madrid man is fulfilling his potential at last, and he will most likely be one of the main threats against Benfica. On the right side of the pitch, he will most likely face Juan Bernat.
The defender on loan from Paris Saint-Germain should start instead of David Jurasek according to Roger Schmidt latest lineups. The 30 year-old Spanish defender had a decent game against Inter Milan recently, and was one of the only positive signs for Benfica’s fans.
Both Juan Bernat and Jurasek played 45 minutes this weekend in the Portuguese Cup, and both will have to be on top of their game to avoid Take from all but destroying Benfica’s hopes of qualification for the Round of 16 with three group games to spare.
Benfica vs Real Sociedad predicted lineups – The final word
Benfica have been improving lately, but they are facing an opponent with a very good dynamic. The stakes are higher for Benfica, and they will have to manage their stress levels more efficiently than the Spanish team.
Given that they have to win this game, we expect Benfica to play an attacking brand of football that could lead to a very open game with a lot of goals. A draw between the two teams looks likely.
We’re saying 1-1 and Takefusa Kubo to score.
See also: UCL matchday two review
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