Benfica vs Estoril Praia Prediction: The Eagles Have A Lot Of Making Up To Do

Benfica will welcome Estoril Praia to the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the 25th round of the Primeira Liga. 

Benfica enters this match aiming to get back to winning ways following a morale-crushing defeat to FC Porto last time out. The Eagles still find themselves in contention for the league title and can't afford to drop points in this fixture, particularly not against a team they have maintained an unbeaten streak against for eleven matches.

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Benfica vs. Estoril Praia, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Benfica

Form: LWWDW

Benfica failed to capitalize on their home advantage to secure an advantageous lead in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 against Scotland's Rangers, settling for a 2-2 draw, and it's all to play for in the return leg.

Before that, they endured a 5-0 league defeat against FC Porto on the road, reminiscent of a similar result they faced back in 2010. Despite that defeat, the Eagles still maintain a strong and consistent performance, as this was their first defeat since August 14, 2023, while going unbeaten in 22 matches, and will be eager to get back on the winning trail. 

With 58 points accumulated in 24 matches, Benfica sits in second place in the Primeira Liga standings, three points ahead of third-placed FC Porto and one point adrift of first-placed Sporting CP.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-2-1-1

Trubin; Aursnes, A. Silva, Otamendi, Morato; Neves, Luis; Di Maria, R. Silva; Mario; Cabral

Estoril Praia

Form: LDLLW

On the contrary, Estoril Praia has been showing consistently poor form in the league. The Canarinhos have snatched five points in their last nine league matches, which hasn't done them justice in their fight for survival this season, with a mere four points seperating them from the relegation zone. 

In their most recent round of the Primeira Liga, they succumbed to a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Vitoria de Guimaraes, which was expected. This comes after blowing up their chance to secure their first three points against Vizela on the road (3-3) since a 1-0 home win over Estrela Amadora on February 4th. Vasco Seabra is tasked with an arduous task to get his side on the path of victory, which has eluded them in the last four matches (L3 D1), and the timing to do so is not on their side considering they have won one of their last thirteen away matches against their opponents in this impending encounter.

With 22 points accumulated in 24 matches played, Estoril Praia sits in 15th place in the Primeira Liga standings, with Estrela Amadora in 16th place in the relegation play-offs.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Figueira; Basso, Volnei, Mangala; Tavares, Fernandes, Zanocelo, Araujo; Guitane, A Marques, J Marques

Match Facts

• Benfica are winless in their last three matches across all competitions.
• Estoril Praia are currently on a four-match winless run in the league.
• Benfica averages 2.75 goals per game when playing at home, and Estoril Praia averages 1.5 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 27 meetings, Benfica have won 22 times, Estoril Praia have won 0 times, and there have been 5 draws, with the goal difference being 59-21 in favor of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica have maintained a six-match unbeaten run against Estoril Praia across all competitions and will be eager to extend that run to seven matches as they enter this clash as strong favorites to secure maximum points, and anything other than a win will surely come as a surprise. 

Considering that the Eagles boast a superior squad at their disposal, a comfortable win at home is undoubtedly on the cards. Therefore, supporting the home side to win combined with a total of under 4.5 goals should surface.

• W1 & TU 4.5 for 1.77
• Anytime Goalscorer - Alexandre Rafa Silva for 2.20
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.80