Liga Portugal 2024-2025: Gil Vicente-Benfica, the probable formations
Waiting for the resumption of the league with the 27th round, Liga Portugal will recover Friday night the match of the 24th day between Gil Vicente and Benfica, a challenge that pits the Barcelos-based home team, eager for salvation points, against the emblazoned Lisbon Eagles, who instead want to retake Sporting at the top of the standings.
Gil Vicente arrived with bated breath at the break for national team activity: the last success was the 3-1 win inflicted on Porto on Jan. 19, from there came six defeats in the next seven games, seven out of eight if the National Cup is included. The’only point came at home to Estrela on March 7: 1-1 the final result. Cesar Peixoto, coach of the Gilistas, will go for the 4-3-3, hoping to regain verve in attack: Mboula, Eduardo and Felix Correia are responsible for improving on the statistics of the past two months.
On the other hand, Benfica, although fresh from the elimination in the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona, can count on seven consecutive successes between league and cup. Coach Bruno Lage will rely on a 4-2-3-1 with Pavlidis the main point of reference in attack, supported by a three-quarter line consisting of Kokcu, Aursnes and Akturkogli. In the midfield, there will be space for Florentino and Renato Sanches.
Probable lineups
GIL VICENTE (4-3-3): Da Silva; Zé Carlos, Josué Sá, Fernandes, Cruz; Bamba, Teixeira, Fujimoto; Mboula, Eduardo, Felix Correia. All. Peixoto.
BENFICA (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Tomas Araujo, Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Carreras; Florentino, Renato Sanches; Kokcu, Aursnes, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis. Coach: Lage.
