GD Chaves vs Benfica Prediction: Flavienses Should Be Intimidated!

GD Chaves will look to capitalize on a vulnerable Benfica by securing a shock victory when they face them in the 28th round of the Primeira Liga at the Estádio Municipal Eng. Manuel Branco Teixeira

Will Benfica bounce back from their Champions League defeat to Inter Milan with a resounding victory in the Primeira Liga?

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

GD Chaves

Form: DLWWL

The Flavienses were not much of a big believer when it came to the urban legend surrounding Gil Vicente's unbeatable home record that held high-flying Sporting CP at bay and resulted in a scoreless tie, as well as their ability to keep three clean sheets and go five games without losing.

At the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, where they faced off against them in the 27th round of the Primeira Liga, they had the opportunity to observe their opponents' rock-solid home form firsthand, and it was only then that they realized it was unquestionably true as they were kept to a scoreless tie to split the spoils.

While they've struggled for resounding results away from home, the same can be said about their home form, which has seen them record three wins in 13 home matches while recording five losses and five draws, and improvement is obviously a priority for the Flavienses moving forward.

They are currently occupying 11th place with 33 points, level on points with Boavista in 12th and three points behind 9th place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Fagundes; Monte, Vitoria, Ponck, Langa; Teixeira, Mendes, Guimaraes; Benny, Juninho, Euller

Benfica

Form: LWWWW

Even though it might have seemed like As Águias were expected to perform at their best in the Champions League rather than the O Classico, which may have justified their 2:1 home loss to FC Porto, the reality was quite the opposite, as they faced judgment day in their 1st-leg match against Inter Milan in the quarter-finals.

With home field advantage and the fact that they were favorites to pick up the pace in the first leg before their return leg, the title of "Juggernauts" didn't sway the Italian powerhouse as they left Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica with nothing but a 2:0 loss, making their return leg a difficult one as they have a two goal deficit to cover, and it goes without saying that their Champions League dreams are hanging by a thread.

While they've been considered "winning machines" Inter Milan and FC Porto are the only sides that beg to disagree in this circumstance, as they have put Roger Schmidt's men under the spotlight, gifting them a two-match losing streak across all competitions. Despite their stumbles, As Águias have been a force to be reckoned with, with 23 wins from 27 encounters so far and can be relied on to get back on track in this clash.

They presently lead the rankings with 71 points, while the point difference between them and second-place FC Porto has shrunk to 7 points.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Luis, Chiquinho, Mario; Silva, Neres, Musa

Match Facts

• Benfica has won six straight away games in the Primeira Liga.
• GD Chaves is on a two-game losing streak against Benfica.
• GD Chaves averages 1.15 goals per game at home, while Benfica averages 1.92 goals per game away.

Head-To-Head

In the last seven matches, GD Chaves has won once, Benfica has won six times, and there has been one draw, with Benfica winning 20-3 on goal differential.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica will look to return to winning ways after going two games with a loss in all competitions, the most recent of which was a 2:0 loss at home to Inter Milan in the opening leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. 

With GD Chaves being the first in line for them to unleash their vengeance, there's little doubt that they'll cruise to an easy win, as they've gone 11 games unbeaten against them, winning 10 and drawing one.

For a team that has won three of its last seven games by more than two goals, picking Benfica to win through an Asian handicap of -1.5 should be enough to come out on top in this match. 

• Handicap 2 (-1.5) for 1.88
• Goals - Over 3.5 for 2.23
• Corners - Over 10 for 2.00