Moreirense vs Benfica Prediction: The Eagles Will Scrap Their Way To Three Points

Moreirense will welcome Benfica to the Parque Joaquim de Almeida Freita in the 12th round of the Primeira Liga.

A newly promoted side to the top flight would be trembling at the sight of going up against one of the three heavyweights in Portuguese football, but not Moreirense, who have shown an improved performance late in their matches and will be out to use that against the league leaders to cause an upset.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Moreirense

Form: WWWDW

Moreirense went into the international break with a smile on their faces as a late André Luis goal witnessed them secure a narrow 1-0 triumph over Estrela Amadora on the road, followed six days later by a 2-0 triumph against Rio Ave in a friendly clash over the international break.

In the Primeira Liga, they've won three consecutive matches with a mirror result, recording 1-0 successive triumphs against Arouca, Vitoria de Guimaraes, and last but not least, their recent opponents, Estrela Amadora. Besides a six-match unbeaten run in the league (W5 D1), their resolute defense has been a recipe for their success, with five clean sheets kept to concede a mere one goal, which comes as no surprise as they are ranked the third-best defensive side in the league with 10 goals conceded in eleven matches.

With 20 points collected from 11 matches played, Moreirense sit fifth in the Primeira Liga standings, three points adrift of a European football spot and one point ahead of sixth-placed Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Kewin; Fabiano, Maracas, Marcelo, Pedro Amador; Goncalo Franco, Ofori, Alanzinho; Madson, Andre Luis, Kodisang

Benfica

Form: WWDWW

Four days after booking themselves a spot in the next round of the Taca de Portugal by defeating Famalicao 2-0 at home in the fourth round, Benfica went on to cough up a three-goal lead against Inter Milan at home in their latest Champions League group stage clash to be held to a dramatic 3-3 draw where it seemed João Mário's hattrick was about to haunt his former club.

Before the international break, the Eagles were all smiles as they staged a memorable comeback to eke out a narrow 2-1 triumph over ten-man Sporting CP at home in the eleventh round of the Primeira Liga. Since losing their opening match against Boavista, Benfica have been impressive, going unbeaten in eleven matches (W9 D1), and will undeniably fancy their chances of extending their unbeaten run to twelve matches.

With 28 points collected from 11 matches played, Benfica sits first in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with second-placed Sporting CP.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Trubin; Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Morato; Aursnes, Joao Mario, Florentino, Joao Neves; Di Maria, Musa, Rafa Silva

Match Facts

• Moreirense have conceded not more than two goals in six successive league matches.
• Benfica have lost one of their seven matches across all competitions.
• Moreirense averages 1.2 goals per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 2.17 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 31 meetings, Moreirense have won 2 times, Benfica have won 22 times, and there have been 7 draws, with the goal difference being 68-25 in favor of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica are favorites to snatch all three points in this clash, but their two wins in the last six meetings against Moreirense suggest that this won't be in any way a comfortable victory for them despite boasting a superior squad at their disposal, and as such, a back-and-forth brawl could be on the cards.

With both sides having tasted a lengthy three-week break from Primeira Liga action, this encounter is bound to be an entertaining one where goals are likely to flood in, and as such, we anticipate both sides to get on the scoreboard, which has been the case in six of their last seven meetings combined with the total of over 2.5 goals, regardless of the home side's solid defense.

• Both Teams To Score + Goals - Over 2.5 for 2.20
• 2X & TO 2.5 for 1.97
• Correct Score - 1:2 for 5.80