SL Benfica vs FC Porto – Supercup 

This is the first real game of the season.

Some things have changed since last year, both teams are in theory more weak. Benfica is without Di Maria and Ramires and FC Porto transferred Bruno Alves and Fucile (this one not yet announced). Furthermore, FC Porto has a new coach, the youngest ever, and will have to prove that much to please the demanding mass supporter of the club in the North.

Benfica have in my view the advantage of having kept the same coach and same type of game. Despite losing some individual values, the aggressive attacking game of last season has not changed much and Benfica in pre-season did some convincing games , especially those made in the tournament of the Guadiana.

FC Porto has changed its coach and playing philosophy. The team did very weak results in pre-season.

Jorge Jesus, called all the working group for the game of the Super cup. The only exception is Alan Kardec that was injured in the last practice. Benfica will play whit a very similar team to last season, with Jara and Carlos Martins in the starting 11 to replace Di Maria and Ramires. Airton eventually will play in position 6 instead of Javi Garcia, because he appears to be in better shape.

In Porto the lack of “boss” Bruno Alves will be the most notable absentee, but are also out Fucile, James Rodriguez and Walter by choice and Ruben Micael by injury. FC Porto will play in the usual 4-3-3 to Helton, Alvaro Pereira, Maicon, Rolando and Miguel Lopes. Moutinho, Fernando and Meireles. Varela, Hulk and Falcão.

Finally, an analysis of the game must address all aspects, the appointment of referee João Ferreira for this match can only be mentioned. The judge who is an declared Benfica supporter, was linked to the famous case of the tunnel that marked the championship last season. I believe that if there are “cases” FC Porto will be the underdog and that’s important in my opinion to support the direction of the pick.

In summary, I believe at this point in time Benfica is stronger. FC Porto has an excellent team, but I think it is not well adapted to new methods and game type. So this Saturday I believe that the victory goes to the team of Lisbon.