- 1 Saint-Gall vs Benfica : an early European date that already matters
- 2 Saint-Gall can lean on their team unit
- 3 Benfica still a work in progress
- 4 Probable line-ups :
- 5 Europa League prediction : Saint-Gall vs Benfica
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information changes fast
- 9 Your responsibility
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images
Saint-Gall vs Benfica : an early European date that already matters 
The new European season is up and running for Saint-Gall and Benfica, two clubs heading into the second qualifying round with very different ambitions. The Swiss side are dreaming of a shock in front of their own fans, while the Lisbon outfit will be desperate to avoid a slip-up before the return leg at Estadio da Luz.
On paper, Benfica have the stronger squad by some distance. Even so, this trip comes with a few complications. The Portuguese club are entering a new era with Marco Silva in charge, and several key men are still missing after the World Cup. The connections are not quite there yet.
Saint-Gall can lean on their team unit 
Last season will live long in the memory for Saint-Gall fans. A second-place finish in the league and a Swiss Cup win took the club back to a level it had not reached for years. That run has earned them a shot at one of European football’s heavyweights.
Pre-season has been mixed. Heavy defeats to Lyon and Norwich were a reminder of the gap at the top end, but they also gave the coaching staff a proper look at the group against stronger opposition. Enrico Maassen knows his side will need far more discipline if they are to hold Benfica at bay.
The Sitterstadion crowd could also matter in this first leg. Saint-Gall do not carry the pressure here and can build the game patiently. Keeping the spaces tight and staying in touch until the closing stages would already count as a success before the trip to Portugal.
Benfica still a work in progress 
Summer has reshaped Benfica. Jose Mourinho is gone, Marco Silva is now in the dugout, and several new arrivals are still getting used to their surroundings. Add in the absence of a number of internationals still away after the World Cup, and the new boss is left juggling a patched-up squad.
Even so, there is plenty of quality there to decide a game. Vangelis Pavlidis has looked sharp in pre-season and should lead the line. Behind him, Georgiy Sudakov brings real craft between the lines, while Clement Lenglet could make his debut in the heart of defence.
Benfica remain the favourites over two legs, but this first competitive outing looks more like a warm-up than a side already firing on all cylinders. The Portuguese will be focused on avoiding a blunder before finishing the job at home in front of their own supporters.
Probable line-ups :
Saint-Gall : Ati-Zigi; Gaal, Stanic, Okoroji; Vandermersch, Gortler, Daschner, Boukhalfa, Stevanovic; Besio, Balde.
Benfica : Trubin; Bah, Antonio Silva, Lenglet, Dahl; Barrenechea, Barreiro; R. Silva, Sudakov, Kaminski; Pavlidis.
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Europa League prediction : Saint-Gall vs Benfica
Saint-Gall do not lose, or lose by one goal (Handicap +1)
Benfica have the deeper squad and far more European experience, but this tie arrives while the Portuguese club are still trying to find their feet. With a new manager, several absentees and fresh signings still bedding in, it would be no surprise if they are not yet at full tilt.
Saint-Gall, meanwhile, will go into the first leg without fear. They know qualification is decided over 180 minutes and their first job is to stay alive before the return. Their organisation and the atmosphere expected at the Sitterstadion should help them keep things tight against a side still getting up to speed.
In that context, the Saint-Gall handicap looks like the safer play. Benfica can still win this, of course, but a one-goal victory for the visitors or a positive result for the Swiss side feels like the most likely outcome.
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