Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Primeira Liga match.
Last week, Benfica missed a golden chance to top the league, but their upcoming fixture against Estoril Praia should comfortably yield three points for them. Their forthcoming opponents pose little threat to the team, especially since Benfica are fully motivated and thriving on the domestic front in the absence of Champions League distractions.
Benfica
Benfica’s victory over Nacional (2:0) on Thursday marked their sixth win in the last eight outings. The team surged after the break in the away match, securing the result thanks to a brace from Ángel Di María. The Argentine veteran remains a key figure in the attack, contributing alongside Kerem Aktürkoğlu to a tally of 12 goals and 7 assists in the Primeira Liga. On home soil, Benfica have recorded 23 goals across seven matches, all of which have been victories—the best in the league.
Estoril Praia
Estoril Praia suffered a 2:0 defeat to Casa Pia last Sunday, leaving them just three points clear of the relegation zone. They struggle in both attack, with only 12 goals, ranking sixth from the bottom, and defence, having conceded 21 goals. Without Pedro Amaral and Miguel Xeka, the coaching staff continue to employ a 3-4-3 formation, which has led to numerous errors during transitional play.
Benfica vs Estoril Praia Prediction
Benfica, in impressive form, are expected to create numerous chances against Estoril's defence. Our prediction is for Benfica to win with a handicap, as they are eager to lead the Primeira Liga standings before the New Year.
