Estoril Praia vs Benfica Prediction: The Eagles Are Overwhelming Favorites To Claim Maximum Points On The Road

Estoril Praia will welcome Benfica to the Antonio Coimbra da Mota in the eighth round of the Primeira Liga.

The Canarinhos will hope to sign off their last home match before the international break with a win, though it'll be easier said than done as they currently find themselves on a two-match losing streak when playing at home in this fixture.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Estoril Praia

Form: LDLLL

Lady Luck turned her back on the Canarinhos in a recent match against Vitoria de Guimarães away from home, as a two-goal lead was blown to see them suffer a disappointing 3-2 defeat, though they were forced to surrender to factors beyond their grasp due to Jordan Holsgrove's sending off in the 39th minute.

Before that, they put on an impressive display in the Taca da Liga group stage opener as they dealt Leixoes a 2-1 defeat on the road courtesy of goals from Cassiano and Heriberto Tavares. This has seen them take the early lead to occupy first place in Group D, a group that comprises champions from last season FC Porto.

The Canarinhos are currently on a five-match winless run in the league, picking up four losses and a draw to accumulate one more point from a possible 15. This season, they have only won one of their seven matches played in the league, a 2-0 win over Rio Ave at home on August 20th. With no room for optimism, there's no doubt that they'll once again struggle for a favorable outcome due to their lingering poor form.

They currently occupy 17th place within the relegation zone with 4 points to their name level on points with 18th-placed Chaves and one point behind safety.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Marcelo Carne; P. Alvaro, Volnei, B. Vital; T. Alves Araujo, M. Fernandes, J. Holsgrove, R. Gomes; Herl, Cassiano, R. Guitane

Benfica

Form: WWWWW

Benfica have put on a lackluster show in the Champions League as they have failed to win their opening two group stage matches. First, they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home against Salzburg, and their most recent was a 1-0 defeat on the road against runners-up Inter Milan. They are dead last in Group D with no points to their name.

Before that, they sealed their second O Clássico bragging rights of the season by defeating ten-man FC Porto 1-0 in front of their own fans courtesy of a decisive goal by Ángel Di María in the 68th minute.

In the league, the Eagles have been setting the pitch ablaze with their impressive form, which currently sees them on a six-match winning streak, and will be eager to preserve their impressive run with another statement win against a side they have dealt four consecutive losses to.

They currently occupy second place with 18 points in the Primeira Liga table, two points ahead of third-placed FC Porto and one point behind early pacesetter Sporting CP.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

A. Trubin; A. Bah, N. Otamendi, Morato, Juan Bernat Velasco; J. Goncalves Neves, O. Kocku; A. Di Maria, Aursnes, Rafa Silv

Match Facts

• Estoril Praia are on a two-match winless run when playing at home in the Primeira Liga.
• Benfica have yet to keep a clean sheet in their four away matches played in the Primeira Liga.
• Estoril Praia averages 1.67 goals per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 2.5 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 25 meetings, Estoril Praia have won 0 times, Benfica have won 21 times, and there have been 4 draws, with the goal difference being 57-20 in favor of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

Estoril Praia comes into this one lacking confidence, and given that they have dropped points against some teams they find themselves on level terms with in their five matches, there's no doubt that they are likely to struggle against the league's formidable side.

Since a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Boavista on the first match day, Benfica has poised itself as a formidable side, and their recent win over rivals FC Porto at home should see them pick up a comfortable three points on the road as they have been the superior side in this fixture.

The visitors are currently on a twelve-match unbeaten run when playing away against Estoril Praia, picking up eleven wins and a draw. As such, we anticipate a routine win for the Eagles, with the total exceeding 2.5 goals.

• W2 & TO 2.5 for 1.68
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.86
• Corners - Over 10 for 2.00