Benfica start their Champions League marketing campaign in hostile territory as they tackle Red Star Belgrade within the Serbian capital on Thursday night.
Red Star, amid a golden period for Yugoslavian soccer, had been one of many ultimate victors of the European Cup earlier than the Champions League's emergence in 1992. Modern iterations have usually struggled to compete with Europe's finest, with the membership failing to succeed in the knockout levels of the competitors since its rebranding.
After successful their seventh straight Serbian title final season, Red Star overcame Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt within the play-offs to qualify for the league part.
Benfica are way more established in UEFA's premier membership competitors, however they have not conquered Europe for the reason that 60s. The Portuguese aspect have not less than superior into the knockout levels lately, however they're nonetheless far off the continent's supreme forces.
Here's 90min's preview of Thursday's Champions League conflict in Belgrade.
Red Star Belgrade vs Benfica H2H Record (All Games)
Current type (all competitions)
How to observe Red Star Belgrade vs Benfica on TV and dwell stream
Red Star Belgrade staff information
Red Star's Serb-heavy squad just isn't blighted by accidents heading into their first league part fixture, however they're set to be with out goalkeeper Omri Glazer and Vladimir Lucic for Benfica's go to. While Glazer is dealing with a leg damage, Lucic is at the moment out of motion with a knee concern.
Goalscorers from the weekend, Bruno Duarte and Mirko Ivanic, are the hosts' major threats.
Red Star Belgrade predicted lineup vs Benfica
Red Star Belgrade predicted lineup vs Benfica (4-2-3-1): Ilic; Mimovic, Lekovic, Drkusic, Seol; Krunic, Elsnik; Silas, Ivanic, Olayinka; Duarte.
Benfica staff information
The guests can be with out a few gamers on Thursday, though Benfica's present absentees aren't anticipated to be out of motion for very lengthy.
Andre Gomes and Tiago Gouveia are nursing muscle and shoulder accidents respectively, with the pair poised to return to motion earlier than the October worldwide break.
Angel Di Maria will begin down Benfica's proper, with Florentino Luis and Orkun Kokcu making up a well-balanced midfield pivot. Summer arrival Kerem Akturkoglu has instantly come into Roger Schmidt's aspect and ought to begin once more in Belgrade.
Benfica predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Carrera; Luis, Kokcu; Di Maria, Rollheiser, Akturkoglu; Cabral.
Red Star Belgrade vs Benfica rating prediction
Trips to japanese Europe will not be as daunting as they as soon as had been, however they continue to be tough for visiting groups. Red Star are used to operating throughout groups on dwelling soil domestically, however they've usually struggled to match that type in Europe.
Thus, Benfica needs to be assured of securing an away win to kick off their league part. They head into the competition on a four-game unbeaten run after shedding to Familicao on the opening weekend of the Primeira Liga season, with Schmidt having a gifted squad at his disposal that might trigger just a few surprises in Europe this time period.
They'll must dig deep to prevail on Thursday.
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