Different class

Benfica were really impressive in their preparational period, having won against strong opponents. They won all three matches in the International Champions Cup, vs Guadalajara, Fiorentina and Milan, followed by a huge win 5-0 vs Sporting for the Portuguese Super Cup Final. It is quite obvious that they hit top form, even if it’s very early in the season. Midfielder G. Pires got an injury last week and won't be available tonight, as well as A. Almeida who has not 100% recovered from his injury. 

Pacos de Ferreira were the deserved Champions in the Segunda Liga last season, finishing with a five-point difference than second placed Famalicao. They had a quite average preparational period, even if they didn’t play against any of the top teams of the Portuguese football. In their first official game of the season they played against Estoril for the League Cup, progressing in the next round after the penalty shoot-out (regular time 1-1). A full defensive approach is expected tonight from the away team, while newcomer forward Timoteo is not set to debut, as he has not recovered yet from his injury.

There is a huge quality difference here, Benfica are impressive in the beginning, targeting for one more season to all the domestic titles. At the same time, for newcomers Pacos de Ferreira their main target is to avoid relegation troubles the earlier possible. Definitely it couldn’t be a harder beginning for them than facing Benfica in an away game. Benfica will prevail in this one, it is out of the question, probably with a quite convincing way. Benfica to cover Asian Handicap -2.5 is my call.