Benfica vs FC Vizela Prediction: A David vs. Goliath Showdown At The Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Benfica will welcome FC Vizela to the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the 22nd round of the Primeira Liga. 

With Sporting CP currently holding second place and a game in hand, it's inevitable that Benfica will slip to second place. Now, their primary objective is to secure maximum points as swiftly as possible before facing this unavoidable setback.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Benfica

Form: DWWWW

Expectations for the Lisbon giants have been high this season since their elimination from the Champions League. Their solace in the Europa League has paved the way for a promising beginning, as they defeated French side Toulouse 2-1 at home in the first leg of the playoffs courtesy of an Amgel Di Maria brace.

A trip to Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques to lock horns with Vitoria de Guimaraes witnessed them salvage a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw despite having a numerical advantage at their disposal. This outcome halted a seven-match winning streak in the league, and they will fancy their chances of getting back to winning ways. At home, they boast the best home record this season, going unbeaten in ten matches (W8 D2), and it's also worth mentioning that they are currently on a four-match winning streak. 

With 52 points accumulated in 21 matches played, Benfica occupy the top spot in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with second-placed Sporting CP, who have played one fewer game.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Morato; Neves, Luis; Di Maria, Silva, Aursnes; Cabral

FC Vizela

Form: WLLLL

Vizela, on the other hand, secured a crucial three points in their fight for survival this season as they defeated Gil Vicente 1-0 on the road despite having a numerical disadvantage, which witnessed Sava Petrov receive his marching orders in the 63rd minute.

In light of this win, the Vizelenses saw their four-match losing streak in the league come to an end. However, they experienced disappointing outcomes beyond their four-match losing streak as they were on a ten-match winless run (L6 D4). Away from home, they have been in poor form, winning just two of their last ten matches (L4 D4), and little can be expected from them in this one.

With 16 points accumulated in 21 matches played, Vizela sits in 17th place in the Primeira Liga standings within the relegation zone, two points ahead of rock-bottom Chaves and five points adrift of safety. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Ruberto; Silva, Goncalves, Anderson, Pereira; Samu, Costa, Nascimento, Quina; Essende, Mendez

Match Facts

• Benfica have kept six clean sheets in their last ten home matches in the Primeira Liga.
• FC Vizela have won just one of their last five Primeira Liga away games.
• Benfica averages 2.3 goals per game when playing at home, and FC Vizela averages 0.9 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 8 meetings, Benfica have won 7 times, FC Vizela have won 0 times, and there has been 1 draw, with the goal difference being 16-5 in favor of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica will be aiming to get back to winning ways in this impending encounter after dropping two points in their match against Vitoria de Guimaraes last time out. The Eagles are currently on a four-match winning streak at home and could turn out to be a formidable opponent in this upcoming clash.

Given the sheer gulf in class and quality between the two teams, we are inclined to think Benfica has what it takes to win this one comfortably. However, given the unappealing odds of picking them up in the full-time market, we will be backing them to win both halves, as this has been evident in three of their last five home matches in the league.

• Home To Win Both Halves - Yes for 1.97
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.61
• Total 1 - Over 2.5 for 1.68