Round 14
Braga vs. Benfica
Estádio Municipal de Braga, Braga, Portugal.
17.12.23 at 23:30
Braga will welcome Benfica to the Estádio Municipal de Braga in the 14th round of the Primeira Liga.
Entering this match as the underdog, Braga is well aware that securing a victory won't be a stroll in the park. Nevertheless, their optimism is fueled by a four-match winning streak at home against their upcoming opponents in this impending encounter.
Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Braga vs. Benfica, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!
Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!
Claim Your Registration Bonus!Braga
Form: WWWWD
Needing to win by two goals against Napoli on the final match day of the Champions League group stage campaign to qualify for the knockout rounds, Braga unfortunately found themselves on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat, subsequently leading to their elimination from the hallowed competition and being demoted to the Europa League knockout stages.
Before that, they produced a masterful performance in the league against Vizela, where a Simon Banza brace saw them eke out a 3-1 away win. This was their fourth straight win in the Primeira Liga and their eighth match going unbeaten (W7 D1). Despite their impressive display in the league this season, the Os Arsenalistas have been having trouble securing clean sheets, with only one clean sheet kept in thirteen matches, an aspect that needs improving moving forward.
With 29 points accumulated from 13 matches played, Braga sits fourth in the Primeira Liga standings, four points ahead of fifth-placed Vitoria de Guimaraes and three points behind the coveted first place.
Probable Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Lima; Mendes, Fonte, Saatci, Borja; Al-Musrati, Zalazar; R Horta, Bruma, Djalo; Banza
Benfica
Form: DDWWD
On the other hand, Benfica suffered the same fate of being eliminated from the Champions League, although a third-place finish in their group (D) after defeating Salzburg 3-1 away from home on the final match day of the group stage campaign means that they get to compete in the Europa League knockout stages come 2024.
Before that, they salvaged a point against Farense in a 1-1 draw at home. This comes five days after playing a goalless draw against Moreirense away from home. With a two-match winless run in the league, the Eagles still find themselves harboring confidence as they remain unbeaten in twelve matches.
With 30 points collected from 13 matches played, Benfica sits third in the Primeira Liga standings, one point ahead of their opponents in this impending encounter and a mere point behind first-placed Sporting CP.
Probable Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Trubin; Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Morato; Neves, Kocku; Di Maria, Silva, Mario; Musa
Match Facts
- Braga have conceded the first goal in their last three home games.
- Benfica have kept three successive clean sheets when playing away in the Primeira Liga.
- Braga averages 2.83 goals per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 1.86 goals per game when playing away.
Head-To-Head
In the last 55 meetings, Braga have won 13 times, Benfica have won 32 times, and there have been 10 draws, with the goal difference being 96-51 in favor of Benfica.
Expert Betting Tips
Benfica have suffered one defeat in their last seven away matches across all competitions (W5 D1), and despite their two-match winless run in the league, where two consecutive draws have been recorded, they remain on a 12-match unbeaten run.
Given the edge the defending champions Benfica have in the head-to-head meetings, we anticipate them to come away with a narrow win and put an end to their four-match winless run away from home in this fixture by picking them up in the full-time market.
- Full-time Result - Benfica for 2.32
- Total - Over 2.5 for 1.64
- Half With Most Goals - 2nd Half for 1.95