Maritimo vs Benfica Prediction: As Águias To Continue With Their Dominance Away From Home

Maritimo are set to welcome table leaders Benfica for their 24th round of the Primeira Liga at the Estádio do Marítimo.

Will Maritimo be able to avoid another loss at the hands of Benfica and try to salvage a resounding result in this encounter, or will they be served with another disappointing outcome at home?

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

Maritimo

Form: LWLLL

Os Verde-Rubros had foreseen a clear path to recording their second consecutive victory on the road against Gil Vicente in their recent match, but it was unfortunately a chimera at the end as they suffered a disappointing 2:0 loss in what could have been their moment to shine if it weren't for their struggles in front of goal.

Prior to that, they locked horns with Santa Clara at home, and it was a gratifying result obtained as they recorded a 3:1 victory, and it goes without saying that this was a window of opportunity they couldn't let pass by after going on a four-match losing streak.

In their last five matches, they've recorded only one win and four losses, putting them in poor form as they take on a side that has been impossible to beat this season. But as they enter this encounter, they can take solace in the fact that they have appeared visually solid in their last five home games, in which three wins and two losses have been recorded, and that's something they'll want to lean on to avoid a disheartening outcome.

With 15 losses, four draws, and four wins to their name so far in their last 23 games played, they find themselves occupying 16th place with 16 points. Though they are sitting in the relegation playoffs one point above the relegation zone, they can't shake off their already likely fate that sees them as candidates to be relegated come the conclusion of the season. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Carne; Winck, Junior, Santos, Costa; Afonso, Beltrame; Riascos, Xadas, Vidigal; Moreno

Benfica

Form: WWWWW

As Águias return leg in the round of 16 of the Champions League against Club Brugge saw them continue with their dominance once again as they recorded a 5:1 victory, which saw them winning 7:1 on aggregate, which was more than ample confirmation of their progression in the next round of the competition.

Prior to that, their match in the Primeira Liga was a 2:0 win over Famalicao at home courtesy of Gonçalo Ramos' two goals in that game, which ensured his side another three points and increased his goal tally to 15, surpassing his teammate Jao Mario with 14. In that match, they had 64% ball possession and registered 19 shots on goal, with 7 finding the target. 

Their form has been impressive by far, as they have won nine of their last 10 games in all competitions, and they will look to keep that record intact with another win in this clash. In the Primeira Liga, they are currently on a 7-match winning streak, and it seems no side has had the temerity to challenge them other than Braga, who handed them their sole loss of the season after the World Cup break.

Roger Schmidt's men have not taken their eyes off their goal, which is getting hold of this season's silverware, which will be their 38th one in the trophy cabinet, and given they hold first place with 62 points and have a 5-point lead over second-place FC Porto, it's safe to assume that they are the overwhelming candidates to lift the silverware.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Vlachodimos; Bah, Otamendi, Silva, Grimaldo; Aursnes, Luis; Neres, Mario, Silva; Ramos

Match Facts

• Benfica are currently on a 7-match winning streak in the Primeira Liga.
• Maritimo have yet to win a game against Benfica in their last 5 games.
• In meetings between Maritimo and Benfica, the average number of goals scored between them is 3.6.
• Maritimo averages 0.95 goals per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 1.97 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 46 meetings, Maritimo have won four times, Benfica have won 36 times, and there have been six draws with a goal difference of 125-33 in favor of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

Maritimo know very well that keeping a rampant Benfica at bay is something that is definitely out of their vocabulary, and while they can't afford to lose any more matches as they are likely to be relegated if they don't start salvaging points along the way, they are really not presented with any favourable outcome in this encounter other than a convincing loss.

Benfica are the bookmakers' favourites to come away with all three points and maintain the 5-point lead they have over FC Porto on the standings, and anything other than a win here will come as a surprise given they've been the dominant side in this fixture and the fact that they have won all of their last five matches against Maritimo.

With their recent meeting ending in a 5:0 win for Benfica, there's absolutely no problem thinking that they'll run out winners in this clash too and extend their winning streak against them to six games. As such, back the As Águias to win convincingly in the handicap (-1.5).

• Handicap 2 -1 for 1.79
• Half-time/Full-time & Overs/Unders - Benfica/Benfica & Over 1.5 for 1.88
• Anytime Goalscorer - Goncalo Ramos for 1.72