Benfica vs Real Sociedad Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Benfica vs Real Sociedad on and what time does it start? Benfica vs Real Sociedad will take place on Tuesday 24th October, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Benfica vs Real Sociedad? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Benfica vs Real Sociedad on in the UK? Benfica vs Real Sociedad will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Benfica vs Real Sociedad in the UK? Benfica vs Real Sociedad can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
BENFICA
After two underwhelming results to begin life in Group D, Benfica find themselves under pressure going into this double-header with Real Sociedad. Their last home game saw them stunned by Salzburg, who defeated them 0-2 following the early sending off of centre-back Antonio Silva. A trip to Inter Milan followed, who never looked in real danger of surrendering the lead after finally breaking through Benfica just after the hour mark.
Perhaps a little frustratingly for the hosts, they have played just once domestically since that loss in Italy, although winning both games, one in the league and the other in the cup will have hopefully given them a platform in which to kick on from. The home crowd will expect a big performance here and most importantly, a big result so the pressure is on.
REAL SOCIEDAD
Real Sociedad have proven one of the surprise packages across the 2023-24 Champions League group stage, accumulating four points from a possible six so far in a difficult group which includes last season’s runners-up Inter Milan and quarter-finalists Benfica. After almost beating Italian giants Inter, with only a late equaliser denying them, Sociedad secured their first group stage win with the perfect away performance, overcoming Salzburg 0-2 in Austria.
Brais Mendez has taken to the biggest European stage with aplomb, the winger netting in both of Real Sociedad’s group fixtures played so far and assisting another one. On the back of his winning goal against Mallorca this past weekend, he’ll have a big role to play in this latest contest, as will the long-serving Mikel Oyarzabal.
THE TEAM NEWS
BENFICA
Orkun Kokcu’s injury means that enforcer Florentino Luis should start in central midfield alongside 19-year-old wonderkid Joao Neves, who is coming off the back of his senior international debut for Portugal. Antonio Silva returns from suspension to partner Nicolas Otamendi at the back, whilst Alexander Bah and Angel Di Maria both won’t feature, a double blow for the hosts.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Bernat; Neves, Florentino; Neres, Rafa Silva, Joao Mario; Musa
UNAVAILABLE: Bah (Injured), Kokcu (Injured), Di Maria (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
REAL SOCIEDAD
It would be no surprise if head coach Imanol Alguacil named the same starting line-up as that who picked up three points and a clean sheet in Salzburg earlier this month. Alguacil won’t have a full-strength squad to choose from though with full-back Kieran Tierney out with a hamstring injury, whilst a knee problem for winger Martin Merquelanz renders him a doubt.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Remiro; Traore, Zubelida, Le Normand, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino, Barrenetxea; Kubo, Oyarzabal
UNAVAILABLE: Tierney (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Merquelanz (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
With no points to their name so far and home advantage in their favour, the heat is on Benfica. Roger Schmidt’s men desperately need three points and anything less than that would be a massive blow to their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Schmidt has been known throughout his coaching career for the attacking nature of his teams and he’ll have no doubt formulated a plan on how Benfica can cause the Real Sociedad backline serious problems. But the visitors are a very dangerous unit and boast a clinical which may well see them take advantage of any extra space left for them inside the opposition half. With that in mind, backing both teams to score may prove the smart play.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
