Benfica vs Famalicao Prediction: A Window Of Opportunity For As Aguias To Consolidate Their Position At The Summit

Benfica will host Famalicao at the Estádio da Luz in the 23rd round of the Primeira Liga, hoping to extend their winning streak to seven games.

Famalicao have had their share of struggles when playing away, recording two wins in their last 12 away games; will their away form play a factor in them dropping all three points and ending their two-match winning streak?

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

Benfica

Form: WWWWW

Without a doubt, As Águias are in plain sight as they soar for this season's championship, which is very much within their grasp given that their closest rivals for the title and defending champions FC Porto dropped crucial points in their most recent match over the weekend and suffered a shocking defeat.

In light of this, their recent victory over FC Vizela on the road by a score of 2:0 only served to strengthen their position at the top. Going forward, they'll likely want to maintain this position by flashing on a dominant display that will indubitably fuel wandering eyes that have their sights set on the championship.

And that victory came five days after they added another defeat to Boavista's road woes to make their winless run seven games long as they managed to prevail convincingly 3:1 at home, extending their commendable 10-match unbeaten streak to 12 games at the Estádio da Luz, during which ten victories and a draw were recorded.

With 59 points, they are currently in first place, and they've seen the point gap between them and second-place FC Porto widen to 8 points. They will do everything in their power to increase the margin to 11 points by claiming a victory in this match, which will be the only outcome they'll be looking for.

Team News

Chiquinho suffered an injury 30 minutes after his introduction in the 60th minute and had to be replaced as he sustained a thigh injury in their recent road victory over Vizela.

Mihailo Ristic has been out for a month due to a hamstring injury, and Julian Draxler has an ankle injury and will not be available for selection.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-1-3

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

Famalicao

Form: WWLWL

In their most recent game, a contentious VAR decision in the 90th minute (plus extra time) that eliminated Portimonense SC's chances of restoring parity was more than music to their ears, as they managed to escape by the skin of their teeth in order to celebrate their victory, which saw them run out winners in a 1:0 triumph at home.

Prior to that, they traveled to Estadio de Sao Miguel, where they defeated a threatened relegation candidate, Santa Clara, winning 3:1 in a high-intensity match that saw both ends of the field go down a man in the 76th minute, but at the end of the day, the three points were theirs for the taking, which was more than enough.

While they were once on a two-match losing streak, losing to Braga on the road (4:1) and Gil Vicente at home (1:0), they have now rectified their misfortune with a two-match winning streak, which has surely boosted their confidence. They've collected nine points in their last five games, and Joao Pedro Sousa will be hoping for continued improvement in results for his team.

They currently hold 10th place with 27 points, level on points with Rio Ave in 9th and three points less than an eighth-place finish.

Team News

Famalicao are missing a number of players ahead of this match, beginning with 24-year-old midfielder Mihai Alexandru Dobre, who was sent off for an unnecessary argument on the bench and will not be available for selection.

Rui Fonte will be unavailable for selection due to an injury, as will Theo Fonseca (thigh injury), Puma (ruptured knee ligament), and Jose Luis Rodriguez (knee injury).

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Junior; Penetra, Mihaj, Riccieli, Moura; Youssouf, Colombatto; Rodrigues, Jaime, Sanca; Denilson

Match Facts

• Benfica are on a six-match winning streak in the Primeira Liga.
• Benfica has not lost a game against Famalicao in their last four home matches.
• The average number of goals scored in matches between Benfica and Famalicao is 2.8.
• When playing at home, Benfica averages 2.61 goals per game, while Famalicao averages 0.95 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 9 meetings, Benfica have won 6 times, Famalicao have won 0 times, and there have been 3 draws with the goal difference being 21-6 in favor of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica has been impressive this season with back-to-back victories in the Primeira Liga, which has them on a six-match winning streak. It's important to not overlook their defensive prowess in those games, where they kept five clean sheets while only allowing one goal, which could lead us to believe the same display will be applied here.

Famalicao hasn't had much success in their visits to the Estádio da Luz, and it may be difficult to expect them to grasp a victory here given that they haven't won a game in their last five games at this venue. Additionally, given that they lost the previous meeting by a score of 1:0, little can be expected of them here either.

A resounding victory for Benfica is expected, but given that they are the overwhelming favorites and are therefore available at low odds in the full-time market, combining them with under 3.5 goals will provide the much-needed value in this case. As a result, choose Benfica to win and under 3.5 goals as your first selection, as we expect the As Águias to defeat Famalicao once more and extend their winning streak to four games.

• W1 & TU3.5 for 2.01
• Total (Yellow Cards) - Over 5 for 1.87
• Benfica Clean Sheet - Yes for 1.66