Indonesia
Nigeria
South Africa

Readingvs.Benfica

sportsmole.co.uk, 7 July 2022, 20:10
Championship outfit Reading will lock horns with Portuguese giants Benfica in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday.

The two teams, who will be meeting each other for the very first time, will play at St George's Park, the home of England's national football teams.

Match preview

After successfully steering Reading clear of the Championship relegation zone last season, Paul Ince has since been appointed as the club's permanent head coach.

The 54-year-old took charge at the Madejski Stadium on an interim basis in February and eventually guided the Royals to a 21st-place finish, four points clear of the bottom three.

Ince now has the chance to rebuild his Reading side ahead of the new campaign, although supporters have been left frustrated by the club's lack of activity in the transfer market, albeit while they remain under an embargo which restricts them to recruiting only loan players and free transfers.

The likes of John Swift, Josh Laurent, Michael Morrison, Alen Halilovic and Andy Rinomhota are among a number of first-team players to have left the club, while Paul Ince's son Tom Ince as well as Dean Bouzanis and Joe Lumley have all joined the Royals, with the latter arriving on loan from Middlesbrough.

Reading, who have been training at St George's Park for the last week, will face Maidenhead United, West Ham United, AFC Wimbledon and Brighton & Hove Albion in pre-season friendlies after Saturday's game with Benfica.

For a third successive season, Benfica were unable to get their hands on the Primeira Liga title and could only finish third in the 2021-22 campaign, 11 points behind Sporting Lisbon in second and 17 points behind champions Porto.

The Eagles also lost to Sporting in the Taca da Liga final and were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by runners-up Liverpool.

Interim boss Nelson Verissimo has now left the club following a five-month spell in charge, and has been replaced by German coach Roger Schmidt, who spent the last two years with Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven where he won the KNVB Cup last season.

Benfica have been busy in the summer transfer window, with the most notable departure being star striker Darwin Nunez, who has joined Liverpool for a fee which could rise to around £85m.

Everton Soares, Jota, Gedson Fernandes, Pedro Pereira and Mile Svilar have also left the club permanently, while Schmidt has bolstered his squad with the arrivals of David Neres, Enzo Fernandez, Alexander Bah, Petar Musa and Mihailo Ristic for a combined fee just short of £35m.

Reading are not the only English club who Benfica will face in pre-season as they are also scheduled to come up against Premier League duo Fulham and Newcastle United before their opening top-flight fixture against Arouca on August 7.

Reading Club Friendlies form:

Team News

Reading's first pre-season friendly of the summer saw them beat Colchester United 2-0 on Saturday, in a game which saw four trialist used by Ince.

It is difficult to predict how the Royals will line up this weekend, but the likes of Lumley, Ovie Ejaria and Lucas Joao - who were all involved against Colchester - could feature again against Benfica.

The Portuguese giants, meanwhile, are yet to kick a ball in pre-season and are set to travel to England on Friday before training at St George's Park on the same day.

The likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen and Adel Taarabt, who have all spent time with English clubs earlier in their careers, could be involved, although striker Roman Yaremchuk is unlikely to feature due to an ankle injury.

We say: Reading 0-2 Benfica

While Benfica will be regarded as the strong favourites to come out on top, Ince will be hoping his Reading side can be competitive on Saturday and build on their opening pre-season win last weekend.

Previews by email
7 July 2022
marca.com
Chelsea open talks with Barcelona for Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso
Todd Boehly, the new owner of Chelsea, is in Barcelona
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Boehly touches down in Barcelona as Chelsea aim to hijack De Jong transfer
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is taking things into his own hands by flying out Barcelona for transfer talks, as among other deals, the Blues bid to pip Manchester United to the signing of Frenkie de Jong
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Jurgen Klopp's training comments say a lot about what he expects from players
Jurgen Klopp's buzzing reaction to Joel Matip's sensational goal during pre-season training sums up his style of coaching, and offers a glimpse into what the Liverpool boss expects from his players
7 July 2022
talksport.com
Ronaldo not on Man United plane plane for pre-season tour of Asia amid exit talk
Cristiano Ronaldo will not travel with the Manchester United squad for their tour of Asia on Friday.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Fluminense vs. Ceara - prediction, team news, lineups
After both sides enjoyed impressive wins last time out, Fluminense host Campeonato Brasileiro rivals Ceara on Saturday, at the Maracana.
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Ten Hag repeats De Jong transfer trick as Man Utd close in on second signing
The new Manchester United boss has used his personal relationships with former players to persuade them to join him at Old Trafford and the tactic is getting results
7 July 2022
marca.com
Cristiano Ronaldo will not join Manchester United for tour of Australia and Thailand
The Red Devils depart for their pre-season tour on Friday
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Man Utd's lack of transfers slammed as 'shambolic' in damning Spurs comparison
Manchester United have signed just one player so far this window, despite Erik ten Hag's arrival as manager appearing to signal the start of an overhaul at the Premier League giants Erik ten Hag has seen Manchester United's summer business slammed for its slow progress
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Crystal Palacevs.Millwall
Crystal Palace will face London rivals Millwall in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Palace training ground on Saturday.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
West Ham United announce Flynn Downes signing on five-year deal
West Ham United have announced the signing of midfielder Flynn Downes from Swansea City for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth up to £14m.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunderlandvs.RangersRangers
Championship side Sunderland will kick off their preparations for the 2022-23 campaign with a pre-season friendly in Portugal against Scottish giants Rangers on Saturday.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Wolverhampton Wanderers preparing bid for Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos?
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in negotiating a deal for Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos.
7 July 2022
marca.com
MLS announces two new rules for NEXT Pro: What are they?
Their implementation will be immediate
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Platense vs. Newell's Old Boys - prediction, team news, lineups
Having let top spot slip from their grasp earlier this week, Newell's Old Boys travel to Buenos Aires, where they meet Argentine Primera Division rivals Platense on Saturday.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
SwanseaSwansea Cityvs.Forest GreenForest Green Rovers
Swansea City continue their period of behind-closed-doors friendlies with the visit of Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Bragantino vs. Avai - prediction, team news, lineups
Both marooned in mid-table, and only a point above the relegation zone, Campeonato Brasileiro rivals Bragantino and Avai meet on Saturday, at Nabizao.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea 'contact Robert Lewandowski representatives'
Chelsea have reportedly made contact with the representatives of Robert Lewandowski to discuss a possible move for the Bayern Munich striker during this summer's transfer window.
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Jurgen Klopp's outspoken views on "weird" Boris Johnson as PM finally resigns
Boris Johnson has finally agreed to resign as Prime Minister after a scandalous leadership tenure, and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will likely be raising a glass to the news from Downing Street Klopp was a constant critic of Johnson
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Erik ten Hag 'ready to give Anthony Martial centre-forward chance'
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly preparing to give Anthony Martial the opportunity to prove himself as a centre-forward during the club's pre-season tour.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Rangers confirm Antonio Colak signing on three-year deal
Rangers have completed the signing of Croatian striker Antonio Colak from PAOK on a three-year deal, subject to international clearance.
7 July 2022
marca.com
Galtier chooses Donnarumma as PSG look to move on from Navas
The Costa Rican's time at the French giants may be over
7 July 2022
talksport.com
Bayo is the 6ft2 'king' who matched Giroud record and lives with his mother
Mohamed Bayo could be a name that Premier League fans need to get used to hearing.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool 'not planning summer move for Marco Asensio'
Liverpool are reportedly not interested in signing Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio this summer.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Joe Gomez signs new Liverpool contract until 2027
Liverpool have announced that defender Joe Gomez has signed a new contract with the club until the summer of 2027.
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Man Utd dealt Frenkie de Jong blow as triple swap transfer emerges
Manchester United have been frontrunners to sign the Barcelona midfielder all summer but Chelsea have now emerged as a destination with an audacious triple swap deal mooted Frenkie de Jong has been linked with Man United
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer rumours: Aaron Hickey to Brentford, Douglas Luiz to AC Milan, Hamed Traore to Leeds United
Bologna defender Aaron Hickey is reportedly preparing to undergo a medical with Brentford ahead of joining the Premier League club in a potential £14m deal.
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Liverpool could follow Gomez contract with two more deals as Klopp shapes squad
Naby Keita and Diogo Jota are in line for new contracts at Anfield as manager seeks to ensure squad is settled beyond the short-term ahead of new season Jurgen Klopp watches on as Liverpool continue their pre-season preparations
7 July 2022
marca.com
Laporta: Barcelona have made an offer to Bayern for Lewandowski
The president gave an update at Christensen's presentation
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United
Manchester United's pre-season squad is reportedly expected to include Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri, with both players looking to secure a spot in the first-team squad for the 2022-23 campaign.
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Carvalho makes immediate impression on new Liverpool teammates in pre-season
Fabio Carvalho is one of three summer arrivals at Anfield and he has already caught the eye of his new Liverpool teammates during his first week of pre-season training
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Leeds ready to smash transfer record for striker and take spending past £120m
Leeds have taken their summer outlay to £93million with Luis Sinisterra and are prepared to spend big to land Charles De Ketelaere in a club record deal
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'weighing up Victor Osimhen move amid Cristiano Ronaldo speculation'
Manchester United are reportedly considering a summer move for Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
7 July 2022
talksport.com
Why new PSG boss Galtier can do what Ancelotti, Pochettino and Tuchel couldn't
Jose Fonte has explained why his former Lille boss Christophe Galtier could be a huge hit at Paris Saint-Germain, after he was unveiled as their new head coach earlier this week.
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona director Mateu Alemany provides Ousmane Dembele update
Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany has said that the club will "continue talking" to Ousmane Dembele over a potential new contract at Camp Nou.
7 July 2022
mirror.co.uk
Ferdinand hits nail on head as Ronaldo's biggest Man Utd problem emerges
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to leave Manchester United this summer and Rio Ferdinand has claimed the impact Liverpool and Manchester City are having on the transfer window influenced his decision Cristiano Ronaldo is set to leave Manchester United this summer
7 July 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: CF Montreal vs. Sporting Kansas City - prediction, team news, lineups
Basement club Sporting Kansas City will be looking to turn their fortunes around when they travel to the Saputo Stadium to face CF Montreal on Sunday.
Show more

Top News

12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Despite the financial obstacles, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has insisted that he will try to work out a way of bringing Marcus Rashford to AC Milan this season. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is said to be in advanced negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk AC Milan are reported to be talks to sign Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker after Pep Guardiola announced the defender wants to leave the club this month 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Crystal Palace have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Millwall attacker Romain Esse. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Kyle Walker is the perfect Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement - Liverpool should make a move for the Manchester City star this month. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Graham Potter has been urged to sign a striker as Darren Bent outlined what he must do to transform West Ham's fortunes. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Pep Guardiola has sensationally told talkSPORT that Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that defender Kyle Walker has asked to leave the club. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Jack Grealish has finally ended his 13-month long wait for a first Manchester City goal in the club's 8-0 mauling over Salford City. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk James McAtee scored a hat-trick and Jeremy Doku produced a man-of-the-match display as Manchester City obliterated Salford City 8-0 in the third round of the FA Cup. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Villarreal will be bidding to make it successive victories in La Liga when they head to Real Sociedad on Monday evening, and this contest will represent the Yellow Submarine's first match of 2025. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid and Barcelona will lock horns in the final of the 2025 Spanish Super Cup on Sunday night. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Marcus Rashford was allegedly not with the Manchester United squad that headed down to London on Saturday afternoon for Sunday's FA Cup third-round contest with Arsenal. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Antony has reportedly filed an arbitration case against former club Ajax over fines imposed during his move to Manchester United. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are all competing for the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, according to a report. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Markus Krosche has confirmed that one club has "made contact" over a move to sign Omar Marmoush, amid reported interest from Manchester City. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly slapped a £40m price tag on the head of attacker Harvey Elliott, who is on the radar of Borussia Dortmund and Brighton & Hove Albion. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal's transfer warchest is reportedly about to receive a healthy boost, as former striker Mika Biereth is on the verge of joining Ligue 1 giants Monaco. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Plymouth picked up their first away win since April 2024 to knock out Brentford in an FA Cup giant killing. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Crystal Palace have agreed a deal with Millwall for teenage winger Romain Esse, talkSPORT understands. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea booked their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a 5-0 success over League Two outfit Morecambe at Stamford Bridge. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Divin Mubama will make his senior Manchester City debut in tonight's FA Cup third-round clash with Salford at the Etihad Stadium. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expects 16-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha to "sleep well" after his historic FA Cup appearance in Saturday's 4-0 third-round win over Accrington Stanley. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Accrington Stanley's Donald Love might have a hard time getting to sleep tonight. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Diego Leon is reportedly now en route to England, as the Cerro Porteno wonderkid prepares to sign the paperwork which will make him a Manchester United player at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Jude Bellingham is fit for Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona after suffering with muscular overload in the semi-final of the competition. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk After seeing their three-match unbeaten streak snapped by a narrow 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray, Goztepe SK will look to immediately rebound when they host Kasimpasa at the Gursel Aksel Stadium on Sunday. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Swindon's clash with Crewe has been suspended as a result of poor visibility. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Two teams aiming to avoid further setbacks in their respective campaigns will clash on Sunday as Konyaspor host Fenerbahce at the Torku Arena. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, with the Red Devils now pushing to sign the France international during the January transfer window.