Boavista vs Benfica Predicion: As Águias Aiming To Soar To Even More Greater Heights This Season!

The 2023–24 Primeira Liga campaign kicks off with reigning champions Benfica making the trip to Estádio do Bessa Século XXI to lock horns with Boavista.

Will the title defense get off to a good start for the visitors, or will they suffer a shock defeat in the inaugural match of the 2023–24 Primeira Liga campaign?

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Boavista

Boavista FC charted a solid mid-table course in the previous season, securing the 9th spot with 44 points. This standing was level with Famalicão, who secured the 8th position. This is a noteworthy accomplishment, especially considering their 12th-place finish in the 2021–22 season.

Os Axadrezados experienced a slump in form during the preseason games. They faced consecutive defeats against Portuguese companions Braga (2:0) and Arouca (3:0).

Their lackluster performance carried over to the Taca de Liga as well. They stumbled against second-tier Leiria in the first round, falling in a penalty shootout (5:4) after a goalless draw at their home turf, Estádio do Bessa Século XXI.

As the new season beckons, Petit's men are aiming for a resurgence. The upcoming challenge is to vie for European football spots. The team's capacity to match up against the league's formidable opponents has been established, and they're eager to solidify their place in the upper echelons of the league.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 5-3-1-1

Goncalves; Malheiro, Abascal, Sasso, Onyemaechi, Ferreira; Makouta, Perez, Lourenco; Reisinho; Bozenik

Benfica

In the previous 2022–23 Primeira Liga season, Benfica showed their strength as a team, ending up in the top spot with an impressive 87 points. They managed to stay two points ahead of their bitter rivals, Porto, who secured second place.

This achievement marked an important milestone for Benfica, as they secured their 38th league title. It was a big deal, especially because it was their first title win since the 2018-19 season. The years in between had seen Porto win it twice and Sporting CP once.

Benfica's success didn't stop there. They also triumphed in the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira, which was considered a notable feat. They defeated their fierce rivals, FC Porto, with a score of 2-0. Goals from new signing, Angel di Maria and Petar Musa, sealed their victory in this intense match.

Before the preparation of the new season, Benfica got themselves ready with six preseason games. They were in really good shape during these matches, winning four of them and losing two. The team is hoping that this excellent form will work in their favor as they head into the new season.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Bah, A. Silva, Otamendi, Ristic; Neves, Kokcu; Di Maria, R. Silva, Mario; Cabral

Match Facts

• Boavista have lost two consecutive home matches in this fixture.
• Benfica have lost just one of their last five away matches in this fixture.
• Benfica averages 1.53 goals per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 2.3 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 32 meetings, Boavista have won four times, Benfica have won 18 times, and there have been 10 draws, with the goal difference being 63-27 in favor of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica are overwhelming favorites, with bookmakers starting off their title defense in fashionable style by claiming a comfortable win over a side that they have maintained overt superiority over in past meetings.

Boavista, on the other hand, knows that this won't be an easy walkthrough for them, where home advantage will likely have little to no effect on witnessing them walk away with a positive result. With little room for optimism following their poor preseason performance coupled with a stumble in the Taca de Liga, there's no doubt that a convincing defeat is a mere 90 minutes away from happening.

Eight out of their last ten encounters have witnessed the net rippling with over 2.5 goals. This pattern bodes well for As Águias, suggesting a straightforward path toward a comfortable victory combined with the total of over 2.5 goals.

• W2 & TO 2.5 for 1.77
• Anytime Goalscorer - Ángel Di María for 2.50
• Both Teams To Score - No for 2.09