Benfica should spend long spells around Alverca's back line, but the visitors have a direct route into the space behind the fullbacks. Their recent blank against Arouca came after an early dismissal, so it tells little about a full-strength attacking spell. The useful question is whether Alverca can turn one clean exit into a box finish while Benfica keep creating chances of their own.
Benfica can move from Araújo through Aursnes and Palhinha to Prestianni or Sudakov, with Pavlidis receiving inside. Lukebakio offered another active route in the cup. Alverca can send Chiquinho or Spencer forward, then find Camara centrally or Figueiredo at the far post; those four all played the last league match. Baseya and Vidigal are now listed suspended after that short-handed game, while Bojang has minutes as a replacement. Benfica's older listed absences did not play against Santa Clara, and Durán's status is disputed after a later cup appearance.
Benfica's pressure should produce repeated box entries, especially as Alverca's wing backs advance. Those same advances can release Chiquinho into the channel left by Bah, a route Alverca have completed against stronger opposition before. That's why I expect Alverca to join Benfica on the scoresheet.
