CD Nacional vs Benfica Prediction: The Eagles Will Control The Game From Start To Finish

CD Nacional will welcome Benfica to Estadio da Madeira in the eighth round of the Primeira Liga. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

CD Nacional

Form: DLLWL

CD Nacional has found adapting to life in the top flight difficult this season following their promotion from the Segunda Liga via the playoffs in the previous season. They have won just one of their last seven games (L4, D2) and are languishing in the relegation zone, positioned in the bottom two.

The White-and-Black managed to avert defeat by grabbing a point from Famalicao in a goalless draw on the road. However, this result wasn't enough to boost their confidence, which has only made matters worse, extending their winless run to three games (L2, D1).

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Franca; Garcia, Santos, Ze Vitor, Gomes; Soumare, Dias, Esteves; Appiah, Butzke, Thomas

Benfica

Form: WWWDW

Benfica, on the other hand, has made a promising start and is currently in contention for the league title this season. After seven games, they occupy third place in the standings and are five points behind the top spot.

The Eagles were involved in European action during the week and managed to continue their perfect start in the UEFA Champions League as they stunned Atletico Madrid in a commanding 4-0 victory at home. This comes after dispatching Gil Vicente 5-1 at home in the league.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Araujo, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Luis; Di Maria, Kokcu, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis

Match Facts

• CD Nacional has lost four of their last five home games in the Primeira Liga.
• Benfica has avoided defeat in their last eight matches across all competitions.
• CD Nacional averages 1 goal per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 1.33 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 39 meetings, CD Nacional has won 3 times, Benfica has won 30 times, and there have been 6 draws, with the goal difference being 89-26 in favor of Benfica. 

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica has dominated CD Nacional in past meetings, winning four of their last five encounters. CD Nacional, on the other hand, have been in poor form, and nothing much can be expected from them in this upcoming encounter. Therefore, support the away side to score in both halves, considering this has been the case in their last three games in the Primeira Liga.

• Benfica To Score In Both Halves - Yes for 1.73
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.87
• Half-time Result - Benfica for 1.66