Benfica’s UEFA Champions League qualification push goes down to the wire as they visit the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota to face Estoril Praia in the Primeira Liga season finale on Saturday. Not only do As Aguias need maximum points, but they also require other league results to go their way as they sit two points behind second-placed Sporting Lisbon.
Despite what has been a horrific run of results to close out the campaign, Estoril Praia remain in pole position to finish in the top half of the table for a second consecutive season.
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Ian Cathro’s men are without a win in their last seven matches, suffering five straight defeats before playing out two consecutive stalemates, including a 1-1 draw against Alverca last Sunday.
Estoril Praia have picked up 39 points from their 33 Primeira Liga matches so far to sit ninth in the standings, level on points with 10th-placed Arouca and Alverca in 11th place.
On the other hand, Benfica suffered a major blow in their push for a top-two finish on Monday when they played out a 2-2 draw with Braga at the Estadio da Luz.
While Jose Mourinho’s charges remain the only unbeaten side in the league this season, consecutive stalemates against Famalicao and Braga mean they have now dropped four points in their last two games, taking their fate out of their hands.
Benfica have picked up 77 points from their 33 Primeira Liga matches so far to sit third in the league standings, two points behind Sporting Lisbon, who have a +15 goal difference.
Estoril Praia vs Benfica Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- Benfica have been imperious in the history of this fixture, having picked up 27 wins from the last 31 meetings between the two teams.
- Estoril Praia have managed just one win in that time, while the spoils have been shared on three occasions.
- Benfica boast the second-best attacking record in the league with 71 goals scored in their 33 matches, while conceding 24 at the opposite end of the pitch.
- Estoril Praia have failed to win five of their last six home games, losing three and claiming two draws since the start of February.
Estoril Praia vs Benfica Prediction
While Benfica will need favorable results in Sporting’s game, they are aware that anything less than a win this weekend will see them miss out on Champions League qualification.
Estoril Praia have run out of steam at the tail end of the season, and with just one win in their last 31 games against As Aguias, we see them struggling at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota once again.
Prediction: Estoril Praia 1-3 Benfica
Estoril Praia vs Benfica Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Benfica to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals – Yes (There have been at least three goals scored in four of the last five meetings between the two sides)
Tip 3: Both sides to score – Yes (Both sides have also scored in four of their last five encounters)
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli