Varzim vs Benfica Prediction & Tips
Varzim and Benfica measure forces at the Varzim Sport Club Stadium, in a meeting for the Portuguese Cup (Round of 16). There is no recent record of direct clashes between the two teams, who have not played a match in the last 3 years. The last time they met was on 10-02-2007, in a match which ended with the final result: Varzim (2-1) Benfica. It is necessary to analyze with special attention the home/away condition, because Varzim presents different results at home and away.
The home team arrives at this stage of the Portuguese Cup (Round of 16) after having eliminated Sao Joao Ver, after a (1-0) win at home in the previous round. This is a stronger team when playing at home, as in the last 30 games they have registered 4 wins, 6 draws and 5 losses as a visitor; against 11 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss at their home stadium. The team arrives in this meeting after an away win against Fafe by (0-1). In the last 4 games they played at home in the Portuguese Cup, Varzim won 4.
In this competition, they haven’t lost in 4 matches. The team has shown great defensive solidity, as it hasn’t conceded any goals in the last 4 games, and its attack has scored with regularity, as it has managed to score in 3 of the last 4 games in this competition. In the last 8 home games in all competitions there is 1 outstanding period: he scored 4 of his 10 goals between the minutes (76′-90′).
Varzim enters these last 16 of the Portuguese Cup motivated after a triumph away, by 0-1, in the visit to Fafe’s field: Areias, in the 31′ minute, through a penalty, scored what would be the only goal of the match. The home team usually plays in a 4-3-3 tactical system, favoring fast transitions. In this design, the three players responsible for endangering the opposing defense are Joãozinho, Rui Areias and João Vasco. In the midfield, Paulo Moreira, Jorge Vilela and Ivan Quivira are expected to line up, the last one being responsible for building his team’s offensive game. When he operates in the offensive sector, he usually does so through the right side corridor, taking advantage of the depth offered by full-back Tito Júnior.
The visiting team arrives at this stage of the Portuguese Cup (Round of 16) after a (0-1) away win against Estoril. This is a team that maintains its performance when playing away from its stadium, as in the last 30 games it records 10 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss as a visitor; against 13 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in its stadium. The team arrives in this match after a victory at home with Portimonense by (1-0). In the last 10 matches played away in all competitions, Benfica has won 6, drawn 3 and lost 1. The team has allowed goals to the opponent in 7 of the last 10 matches, so their defense needs to improve, but their attack has been scoring with regularity, as they have managed to score in 8 of the last 10 matches. In 15 games, it has conceded the first goal 4 times and has never managed to turn the score around.
Benfica enter this match motivated after a 1-0 home win against Portimonense: João Mário, in the 9th minute, via a penalty kick, scored the winning goal. The visiting team usually plays in a 4-3-3, where the three players whose mission is to cause panic in the opposing defense will be João Mário, Julian Draxler and Gonçalo Ramos. It is guessed that in the most central zone of the field will play Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino and Chiquinho. Benfica is expected to adopt an offensive posture, however, without losing balance in their defense. Coach Roger Schmidt will not be able to count on right wing David Neres because he is currently recovering from injury.
Varzim – Benfica FREE TIPS
OVER 3.5 GOALS @ 2.25
