Benfica vs Red Bull Salzburg Prediction: Champions League Match on 20.09.2023

Wednesday will see a clash of champions in the UEFA Champions League Group D matchup. Primeira Liga champions Benfica host Austrian Bundesliga champions RB Salzburg at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. The clash will kick off at 19:00 GMT.

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Key Highlights

Benfica’s Free-Scoring Four-Match Winning Run

In their opening five matches in the Primeira Liga, Benfica have won four times and lost once. This run includes a four-match winning run that has seen them collect 12 points. 

Roger Schmidt’s side have also scored a league-high 13 goals and conceded six in the process. Benfica are currently second on the Primeira Liga table with 12 points, one shy of leaders Porto with 13 points. 

Benfica will go into the match against RB Salzburg looking to extend their good form at home as they look to make a winning start to their UEFA Champions League campaign.

RB Salzburg’s Unbeaten Start to the Season

RB Salzburg warmed up for the clash away to Benfica with a tough 2-2 draw away to SK Turmz Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga.

The draw ended a six-match winning run for Gerhard Struber’s men at the start of this season’s Austrian Bundesliga.

RB Salzburg will look to bounce back to winning ways when they visit Benfica on Wednesday in Portugal.

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Injury Report

Benfica

Roger Schmidt will be without the services of his left-back David Jurasek in the home match against RB Salzburg. The 23-year-old is recovering from an ankle injury he suffered in the second week of August. 

The left-back has missed four matches for Benfica this season, and the clash with RB Salzburg will come too soon for the 23-year-old.

Roger Schmidt will benefit from the availability of the rest of the squad for selection; this will give him tactical options in preparing to host Rb Salzburg on Wednesday.

RB Salzburg

Gerhard Struber will have a host of players unavailable for selection ahead of the trip to Benfica on Wednesday.

RB Salzburg will be without long-term injury cases including Daouda Guindo (knee surgery), Justine Omoregie (back problem), Nicolas Capaldo (ankle, and Mamady Diambou (fractured arm).

Gerhard Struber will also be without the services of Petar Ratkov (thigh), Bryan Okoh (hamstring), Lukas Wallner (torn ankle ligament), Fernando (adductor problems), and Moussa Kounfolo Yeo (ankle).

These absences will hinder Gerhard Struber and his plans for the Benfica match. However, he will have to use the available squad and make the most of it as the Champions League kicks off.

Possible Lineups

Benfica

A. Trubin; F. Aursnes, N. Otamendi, A. Silva, A. Bah; O. Kokcu, J. Neves; J. Mario, R. Silva, A. Di Maria; P. Musa

RB Salzburg

A. Schlager; A. Terzic, S. Baidoo, K. Piatkowski, A. Dedic; L. Gourna-Douath; M. Kjaergaard, M. Bidstrup; O. Gloukh; K. Konate, R. Simic

Prediction

Playing at home, Benfica will look to make a fast start to the match against RB Salzburg. They will look to press high up the pitch and put Salzburg under pressure from the first whistle.

The pressing game will be essential to Roger Schmidt’s approach. It will allow them to compress the pitch and play on the front foot. Pressing will also allow them to win the ball high up the pitch, enabling them to attack and create better quality chances.

RB Salzburg will also look to press in this game. Although they will have less possession and come under pressure, they will focus on optimizing their chances through transitions and a medium press.

With both sides in a good run of form, this match will be keenly contested. However, Benfica will have the home advantage. The Portuguese champions have also strengthened their side for the new season and will have significant firepower.

Benfica will win the match and get off to a winning start to this season’s Champions League campaign.

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