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Liga Portugal 2 side Trofense will host Primeira Liga giants Benfica in the third round of the Taca de Portugal on Saturday.
The home side come into the game on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Nacional in league action before the international break. Bryan Rochez scored a goal in either half to guide the visitors to all three points.
Benfica suffered a shock defeat to Portimonense on home turf. Lucas Possignolo scored the match-winner midway through the second half.
A place in the fourth round of the tournament is on offer for the winner of this tie and they will each give their all to attain victory.
Trofense vs Benfica Head-to-Head
The two sides last met in the 2008-09 Primeira Liga campaign, with Trofense winning the home leg 2-0 while the second leg ended in a 2-2 draw.
The hosts secured their spot in this round with a 3-1 extra-time away victory over Pevidem last month. Benfica's status as a top-flight team saw them receive a bye to this stage.
Trofense's defeat before the international break halted a four-game unbeaten run. Benfica were undefeated since May in all competitions prior to their shock defeat to Portimonense.
Trofense form guide (all competitions): L-W-D-D-W
Benfica form guide (all competitions): L-W-W-W-D
Trofense vs Benfica Team News
Trofense
There are no known injury or suspension concerns for the hosts.
Injuries: None
Suspension: None
Benfica
The capital side have Haris Seferovic sidelined due to injury. Valentino Lazaro has almost fully recovered from his injury but this game might be too soon for him. However, manager Jorge Jesus could hand his regulars a rest to give opportunities to fringe players.
Nicolas Otamendi is currently disputing the FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Argentina.
Injuries: Haris Seferovic
Doubtful: Valentino Lazaro
Unavailable: Nicolas Otamendi
Suspension: None
Trofense vs Benfica Predicted XI
Trofense Predicted XI (3-4-3): Rogerio Santos (GK); Simao Martins, Joao Faria, Ange Mutsinzi; Tiago Andre, Vasco Rocha, Matheus Pains, Daniel Liberal; Bruno Almeida, Bruno Moreira, Mohamed Achouri
Benfica Predicted XI (3-4-3): Helton Leite (GK); Jan Vertonghen, Andre Almeida, Lucas Verissimo; Alejandro Grimaldo, Gil Dias, Nemanja Radonjic, Joao Mario; Roman Yaremchuk, Goncalo Ramos, Adel Taarabt
Trofense vs Benfica Prediction
Despite being likely to field a weakened team, Benfica should still have too much in their armory for their hosts.
Their defeat before the international break also gives them added impetus to get back to winning ways and we are backing the Eagles to secure a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Trofense 0-3 Benfica
