Algarve Trophy: Benfica's opponents

Sport Lisboa e Benfica's 2022/23 pre-season doesn't stop! After the training camp in St. George's Park, England, Roger Schmidt's squad travels to the south of Portugal to compete in the Algarve Trophy from July 15 to 17. The Official Website took the X-ray from Nice and Fulham, the eagles' opponents.

NICE

FRENCH CUP FINALIST ON THE WAY

Nice is an historic club from French football. It has not won any titles since 1996/97 (French Cup), but has 4 Championships, 3 French Cups, and 1 Super Cup on its resume. Coached by Swiss Lucien Favre this season, the southern French club finished 2021/22 in 5th place in the league, with access to the Conference League play-offs, and as runners-up in the French Cup, after having eliminated PSG and Marseille.

Looking at the squad there are two names that stand out for their goals: Andy Delort (18) and Gouiri (12). However, the group is deeper than that and includes former Benfica footballer Todibo, but also experienced central midfielder Dante and striker Justin Kluivert.

Among the most valuable footballers, Gouiri stands out with a value of 42 million euros, according to the source "Transfermarkt". Todibo (20 million), Thuram and Dolberg (17 million), Youcef Atal (15 million) and Stengs and Andy Delort (13 million) also stand out in this detail.

This pre-season, Nice has carried out one friendly match against Cercle Brugge (1-1).

FULHAM

CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER WITH PORTUGUESE ON BOARD

The Londoners, coached by Portuguese Marco Silva, come into this trophy motivated by their recent Championship triumph and by holding the status of a Premier League team. With an above average attacking ability (106 goals in 46 games in the Championship in 2021/22), Fulham has in Mitrovic its top goal-scorer.

The Serbian finished last season with 43 goals in 46 matches, seconded by Harry Wilson and Portuguese Fábio Carvalho, both with 11 goals.

After having made some important signings for 2022/23, Marco Silva can count on Andreas Pereira, Manchester United midfielder who was on loan at Flamengo, and João Palhinha, center midfielder who is starting a new adventure in the Premier League. According to the source "Transfermarkt", among the most valuable in the group are names like Mitrovic (20 million), Harry Wilson (17 million) and Adarabioyo (15 million).

Fulham have not played any matches yet this pre-season. The debut takes place in this Algarve Trophy, against Nice (July 16).