Having played each other not to long ago, Academica will be aware of the difficulties they will encounter with Benfica coming to town. The hosts will also have to make sure they don't have any mental lapses defensively which could cost them dearly.
In their previous match for the Taca da Liga, Academica actually had a 1-2 lead over Benfica, only to see that come undone late in the second half.
Pedro Emanuel's side played compact on the defensive side of the ball, allowing themselves to use their pace on the counter attack which caused Benfica some significant problems throughout the match. Playing at home, the Academica players will be expected to be up for this match.
"We are the current champions of this competition and we are very proud of that," said Pedro Emanuel.
"Tomorrow we will present ourselves as we have lately, with complete confidence and determination."
Emanuel has asked for the support of the Academica fans and he hopes that they can fill the stadium on Thursday, considering the match will be between one of Portugal's biggest clubs and the current champions of the competition.
The visitors come into the match off a 2-2 draw at home against Porto. The match didn't start all that well for Benfica, but on two occasions they were able overcome their lack of concentration.
Against Academica they will need to make sure they are on full alert because the Briosa showed at the Estadio da Luz that they will capitalize if given the opportunity.
Previous Matches
01-09-13 Benfica 3-2 Academica (League Cup)
09-23-12 Academica 2-2 Benfica
02-25-12 Academica 0-0 Benfica
09-18-11 Benfica 4-1 Academica
01-16-11 Academica 0-1 Benfica
08-15-10 Benfica 1-2 Academica
Prediction
Benfica has not won a Taca de Portugal since the 2003/04 season when they defeated Porto 1-2. Goals from Greek International Fyssas and current Espanyol midfielder Simao Sabrosa gave the Aguias the title.
Knowing that it has been so long since they last won this competition, Jorge Jesus will certainly put a significant amount of effort into this upcoming match against Academica.
In his favor, he has Benfica's previous results away to Academica. The last time the Briosa defeated Benfica in Coimbra was back in the 1973/74 season when Academica won 2-0. Ever since then, they have lost 19 and drawn five. That is not a record the Academica players will want to be thinking about before the match.
With Benfica coming off that draw against Porto, some of the players may want to redeem themselves after a below par performance. One player who will want to do that for Benfica will be Oscar Cardozo who just extended his contract with the Lisbon side until 2016.
Against Porto, Cardozo was sent through on goal against Helton, only to see his shot saved off the post for a corner kick. He could well have taken the space and had a better shooting opportunity with no one between him and Helton, but the Paraguay International opted for a pre-mature shot.
One player who will be looking to keep up his current form will be Nemanja Matic, who also extended his contract with Benfica this week. The Serbian who was part of a David Luiz trade to Chelsea played second fiddle to Javi Garcia since his arrival in Lisbon, but with Garcia's departure to Manchester City, Matic has really come into his own.
Commanding the midfield and dictating the pace of the game has been his big asset so far this season.
Defensively, Benfica will have to keep a close eye on Makelele and Saleiro who both scored for Academica at the Estadio da Luz.
The hosts will be full of confidence coming into this match despite having lost their two previous official matches. Knowing they are up against one of Portugal's top clubs and having a title to defend will certainly lift the spirits of Pedro Emanuel's side.
Academica will be expected to play in a very similar approach as they had at the Estadio da Luz. Compact behind the ball, eliminating any progress through the middle and forcing Benfica to the outside.
Not allowing Nico Gaitan to much time on the ball will be important if Academica wants to release some of the pressure off their back line.
The visitors will keep the same strategy they have had all season. A high line of pressure, forcing opponents to make mistakes in their own half. Offensively, they will look to up the tempo whenever possible, leaving their opponents completely gassed well before the final whistle.
Academica 1-3 Benfica
