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Derby County vs Benfica Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

  • 19:30
  • Expired
  • Estadio Algarve
Derby County
Benfica

Derby County vs Benfica Predictions

Derby are preparing for another crack at trying to win promotion in Portugal. They have two friendlies in the space of two days in the Algarve against Vitória Setúbal and Benfica. This will clearly be the tougher game although both clubs are very early on in their preparations so improving fitness levels will be the priority. The Rams haven’t played competitively since the disappointment of their 3-2 play-off Semi-Final defeat against Hull but with Nigel Pearson now in charge, there is optimism that they will be in the thick of the promotion battle again this term.

Benfica won the Portuguese title for the 3rd year in a row last season and with one of their best ever points tallies. They also made the Champions League Quarter Finals so they are a side blessed with real quality and ought to win this game. Benfica have only lost twice in 2016 and those were narrow defeats against Porto in the League and Bayern Munich in the Champions League so the Rams will have to be at their very best if they are to pull of a shock here.

Of course given both teams have played less than 48 hours before this game against Vitoria, there is some uncertainty as to what sort of team they will put out but the Rams are likely to name a more experienced side than the one that lost 1-0 on Friday. Both clubs are likely to make some changes during the game, which is likely to be played at a slow pace in the Southern Portuguese heat.

Benfica and Vitoria drew 0-0 in a pedestrian game on Thursday and this could be a similar sort of story. Benfica should enjoy the majority of possession and they have the players more likely of producing that piece of magic that might settle this so consider backing Benfica to Win 1-0 at 7/1.

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