Benfica vs GD Estoril Praia Prediction: Expect A Dominant Display From The League Leaders

Benfica will look to return to winning ways when they host GD Estoril Praia in the 29th round of the Primeira Liga at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

Will Benfica win easily at home, or will they suffer their second consecutive home defeat?

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

Benfica

Form: LLWWW

The Eagles were left disheartened in their return leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Inter Milan on the road, as they had to do the impossible in unfamiliar territory to overcome a two-goal deficit suffered in the first leg, but instead settled for a thrilling 3:3 draw (losing 5:3 on aggregate), effectively ending their Champions League dreams.

Prior to that, there's no denying Schmidt's men felt the effects of a 2:0 defeat at home to Inter Milan in the first leg as they forged ahead to face GD Chaves on the road in the Primeira Liga but couldn't get the job done to come away with all three points as Issah Abass' goal in the dying seconds of the game ensured they suffered a narrow 1:0 defeat.

They've been a force to be reckoned with at home this season, with only one loss in the last 14 matches, one draw, and twelve wins to earn 37 points, and will be hungry to maintain their impressive form at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

Due to their stuttering performance, which has resulted in two straight losses, the point gap between them and second-place FC Porto has now been reduced to just four points, implying that the league title is no longer a foregone conclusion in the next five days as anything could happen. They are currently in first place with 71 points.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Luis, Chiquinho; Mario, Silva, Aursnes; Ramos

GD Estoril Praia

Form: LLWLL

In their most recent home game against Portimonense, the Canarinhos managed to put on a more convincing performance, but it wasn't enough to prevent a late goal from Yago Cariello in the 79th minute from crushing their spirits and handing them a 1:0 loss.

The Canarinhos have been in dreadful form lately, and Ricardo Soars has already begun to feel the intense pressure on his shoulders. His team has only managed one win in their last nine matches while recording eight losses, and realistically speaking, those aren't sets of results that have inspired confidence.

They've been struggling away from home, with little to show for it. They're presently on an eight-game losing skid and have only collected 11 points from their last 14 away games, and those numbers don't exactly paint a picture of a team that will present much of a challenge in this matchup.

With 25 points, they are currently in 15th place and have maintained a three point advantage over Maritimo in 16th place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Figueira; Santos, Alvaro, Vital, Joaozinho; Ndiaye; Cassiano, Marques, Carvalho, Eduardo; Marques

Match Facts

• Currently, Benfica is winless in four games.
• When playing on the road, GD Estoril Praia have lost their last eight games.
• GD Estoril Praia scores 0.79 goals per game on the road, whereas Benfica scores 3.07 goals per game at home.

Head-To-Head

In the previous 24 meetings, there have been 20 wins for Benfica, 0 victories for GD Estoril Praia, and 4 ties with a goal differential of 56-20 in Benfica's favor 

Expert Betting Tips

League leaders Benfica have lost sight of the ball in their games and have struggled for consistency over the course of their four-game losing streak, recording three losses and a draw. However, they shouldn't have any trouble turning things around against a team that has displayed virtually nothing in terms of road performance.

Roger Schmidt's team needs to win this game in order to widen the point gap between them and FC Porto in second place. If they lose, their title aspirations will be on the line. As a result, bet on Benfica to win convincingly in the Asian Handicap -2.5, which should be enough to win.

• Handicap 1 (-2.5) for 2.02
• Total (1st Half) - Over 1.5 for 2.04
• Corners - Under 12 for 1.83