Champions Benfica could struggle to keep lively Braga at bay

Primeira Liga
9pm Wednesday

Champions Benfica begin their quest for a fifth straight league title at home to Braga in a match which promises goals.

The Stadium of Light expects a winning start from Rui Vitoria’s men but there are reservations about them defensively.

Since winning the title in May, three key figures in their back line – keeper Ederson, centre-back Victor Lindelof and right-back Nelson Semedo – have left Lisbon and the impact of their departures has been felt.

At the Emirates Cup in London they conceded seven goals in two fixtures against Arsenal and Leipzig and again on Saturday, in the Super Cup showdown with Guimaraes, they were opened up far too easily. They won that match 3-1 and the bet that copped at the weekend – both teams to score – is advised once more.

That Benfica score is practically a given these days. They haven’t failed to find the net in a league game on home soil since October 2015 and last season averaged almost three goals per game at the Estadio da Luz.

Frontmen Jonas and Haris Seferovic, a new acquisition from Frankfurt, are among the goals and they looked sharp going forward against Guimaraes. But expect Braga to play their part.

They have already played a couple of competitive matches – they pipped AIK Stockholm in a Europa League qualifying tie, scoring in both legs – and new striker Raul Silva looks a handful in and around the box.

Recommendation
Both teams to score
2pts 11-10 general

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com