Braga - Benfica

Netherlands Cup, 1/16 stage. Here we have a bet on the Eredivisie leaders NEC, who unexpectedly sit in 4th place and it's mainly due to their very effective offense, which was implemented by the new coach, long known as a big supporter of attacking football. There is no doubt that NEC will also go on the attack against the 3rd league team from the very beginning, and I don't expect major rotations, as for these "smaller" clubs, the cup is very important and they don't spare any effort even in the earlier stages. As for AFC, their defense looks very weak this season, even against teams of their own level, as they haven't been able to keep a clean sheet in about 10 matches, and their offense is what saves them from time to time. I think they can expect at least a goal, as NEC gives these chances to everyone, as they did in the previous stage against another 3rd league team, scoring three times but still being eliminated due to defense (3-2). I think this could be a realistic scenario again today, where everything will be decided by the game at the opponent's goal.

I trust in Chelsea's strong squad, even with a lot of rotation, this team has a lot of talent and even the substitutes have to strive to contribute more. They are playing against a third league club, which appears solid in their level, but against a team like Chelsea, they won't be able to play their football, so we'll see how Cardiff can adapt to that.

Cardiff has been in good form recently and that form highlights their strong offense, but their defense is certainly not outstanding, especially considering they are playing in League One. They conceded 3 goals in their last match against Doncaster. Chelsea can't boast about a strong defense either, but they have enough depth and rotation on their team to still be clear favorites in this match. It will be an opportunity to break through against such opponents' defense. I don't expect this to be a high-pressure match.

Cardiff has been in good form lately, and their form is highlighted by their strong offense. However, their defense is definitely not their strong suit, especially considering that they are playing in League One. They conceded 3 goals in their last match against Doncaster. Chelsea also cannot boast a strong defense, but they do have a long bench and rotation options which would make them clear favorites for this match. They will have opportunities to score against such a defense. I don't expect this to be a high-pressure match.