Fiorentina vs Benfica - Benfica set to seal second ICC victory

Tolu Shotade

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Last updated: 17 Oct 2019

Tolu Shotade 17 Oct 2019

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Portuguese champions to be too strong for struggling Fiorentina in New Jersey

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Benfica are tipped to secure another win at the ICC over a poor Fiorentina team (Getty Images)

Fiorentina vs Benfica Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

A win for Benfica is predicted as they face Fiorentina in an International Champions Cup fixture at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. The Portuguese champions won their opening match in the competition and at odds of 1.80 are tipped to secure the victory over Fiorentina, who have lost five of their last seven matches.

ACF Fiorentina Form & Team News

Fiorentina suffered a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in their previous outing in the ICC. The Italians continued their struggles in front of goal as they failed to convert any of their eight attempts on target.

La Viola have been abysmal in recent matches having claimed just one win in their last seven outings. Vincenzo Montella's men have suffered five defeats in that run, placing them at odds of 4.20 for an unlikely victory on Wednesday while a draw is priced at 3.75.

Fiorentina have had problems in attack lately with no goals in six of their last seven matches. Giovanni Simeone should return to the starting lineup having come off the bench against Arsenal, although the Argentine striker is without a goal in his last 10 matches.

SL Benfica Form & Team News

Benfica began their ICC campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Mexican team Guadalajara. New signing Raul de Tomas opened the scoring in the fourth minute while Rafa Silva and Haris Seferovic also got on the score sheet in the second half.

Bruno Lage’s men have been excellent in preseason having claimed two wins, including an 8-0 victory over Academica. Their brilliant form means they are good value for the win on Wednesday at odds of 1.80.

Raul de Tomas appears to be adapting to his new team mates following his move from the Spanish La Liga. The Spaniard has three goals in two matches and should start in attack alongside Haris Seferovic, who has found the net twice in that run.

Fiorentina vs Benfica Head to Head

The only previous meeting between Benfica and Fiorentina was a 0-0 draw during the 2015 ICC.

Fiorentina vs Benfica Match Up

Fiorentina’s goal scoring problem means they are likely to struggle on Wednesday. With Giovanni Simeone failing to score in his last 10 appearances, the Argentine is not expected to get any joy against the Benfica defence that has kept clean sheets in their last two matches.

In contrast, Benfica have shown plenty of quality going forward with Haris Seferovic and Raul de Tomas, who have combined for five goals in two matches. Both men appear to be forming a prolific partnership in attack and should easily get past the Fiorentina defence.

Fiorentina vs Benfica Key Statistics

Fiorentina have lost 5 of their last 7 matches (all competitions).
Fiorentina have failed to score in 6 of their last 7 matches (all competitions).
Benfica have won 7 of their last 8 matches (all competitions).
Benfica have kept clean sheets in their last 2 matches (all competitions).

Verdict

Fiorentina have lost five of their last seven matches and are expected to struggle against Benfica, who have five wins in six outings. I am predicting a victory for the Portuguese champions at odds of 1.80 while a win to nil is also tipped at odds of 3.40.

Best Bet: Benfica Win @ 1.80 at bet365 – 3 Units

Value Bet: Benfica Win to Nil @ 3.40 at bet365 – 1 Unit