Benfica B expect a physical battle when they meet Albion under-23s in the Premier League International Cup tonight (7pm).

The Portuguese outfit are in England for the Seagulls' first fixture with a European flavour this season, although they have already drawn 2-2 with Everton .

The group also includes Bayern Munich.

Benfica right-back Alex Pinto warned: “We’ll come up against a very physical, intense match, typical of English teams. They will test us in a very combative game.

“We want to play, have possession of the ball and try and come away with the win.”

Benfica B are second in the senior Portuguese second division with 14 points from six games. They have scored a modest seven goals but conceded just three.

They lost their PL Cup opener 2-0 to Everton.

They are coached by Bruno Lage, who was assistant to Carlos Carvalhal at Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea.

Pinto warned: "Despite losing to Everton, we put in a good performance.

"We have had players away with national teams, which is always a sign things are going well.

"Those who have stayed have worked hard. We're going to England to win."

Tonight’s match takes place at Albion’s training complex in Lancing and is all-ticket.