CD Nacional vs Benfica Prediction: The Eagles Won't Disappoint This Time

Estadio da Madeira will be buzzing with anticipation as it plays host to CD Nacional and Benfica in the previously postponed eighth round of the Primeira Liga. CD Nacional has underperformed this season and comes into this match sitting in 14th place, which is only one point ahead of the relegation zone, while second-placed Benfica continues to find itself four points behind the top spot.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

CD Nacional

Form: WLDLW

CD Nacional finally put an end to their three-match winless run in the Primeira Liga (L2, D1) after securing a narrow 1-0 home victory against Moreirense. In a match where they limited their opponents to just four shots at goal, it was José Gomes' strike in the second half that decided everything.

The White-and-Black can be proud of their performances at the Estadio da Madeira, as this is where a majority of their points come from. With three wins in their last five matches (D1, L1), it's no doubt that they can make life difficult for the visiting team, especially when putting into consideration their solid defense that has seen them keep four clean sheets in their last six matches at this venue.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Franca; Garcia, Ze Vitor, Ulisses, Gomes; Esteves, Soumare, Costa; Appiah, Isaac, Thomas

Benfica

Form: DWWWW

It's of no use for Benfica to cry over spilled milk following their 1-1 draw against AVS Futebol SAD on Sunday. They had more than plenty of chances to put the game to bed, but it seemed they weren't up for the challenge. However, they remain consistent as they come into this match with a 12-match unbeaten run in the league (W10, D2).

The Eagles boast the second-best offensive record in the league with 32 goals scored from 13 games. However, unlike their rivals Sporting CP, they haven't been reliant on one player to score goals for them, with the likes of Kerem Aktürkoğlu (6), Angel Di Maria (4), and Vangelis Pavlidis (3), just to name a few, contributing to the goal tally this season. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Bah, Araujo, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Luis; Di Maria, Kokcu, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis

Match Facts

• CD Nacional has kept a clean sheet in four of their last six home matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Benfica has won three of their last six away matches in the Primeira Liga.
• CD Nacional has lost seven consecutive home matches when playing against Benfica.

Head-To-Head

In the last 39 meetings, CD Nacional has won 3 times, Benfica has won 30 times, and there have been 6 draws, with the goal difference being 89-26 in favor of Benfica. 

Expert Betting Tips

I'm backing Benfica to win and under 4.5 goals at odds of 1.64 The reasoning behind this pick is that they have won 18 of their 20 matches in this fixture, with the total going under in 14 instances. This gives me confidence that they won't disappoint like their last match against AVS Futebol SAD.

Both Teams To Score - Yes for 2.00 - Despite being underdogs, CD Nacional has been sharp in the final third, finding the back of the net in four of their last six home matches.

Benfica to score in both halves for 2.08 - The Eagles have scored in both halves in seven of their last nine matches in the Primeira Liga, and I believe this trend is likely to carry on despite their opponent's solid defense. 

• W2 & TU 4.5 for 1.64
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.99
• Benfica To Score In Both Halves for 2.08