Benfica vs Estoril Praia Prediction: The Eagles Have No Ounce Of Mercy Left

Benfica is set to host the out-of-form Estoril Praia at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in a single-legged Taça da Liga semi-final on Thursday evening.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Benfica

Benfica requires no introduction regarding their credentials in the Taça da Liga, as they are the current maestros with seven trophies obtained over the past years. Last seen clinching the trophy in the 2015-16 season, defeating Maritimo 6-2 to secure their third consecutive title, they have since featured in just one final appearance in six years.

For the Eagles to make their way to the semi-finals of the Taça da Liga, they had a fairly easy route in a group comprising FC Arouca and second-tier AVS. First to feel their wrath was FC Arouca winning 2-0 on the road before going to dispatch AVS 4-1 at home. They finished at the top of Group B with an unblemished record.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Morato; Luis, Kokcu; Di Maria, Silva, Mario; Cabral

Estoril Praia

Estoril Praia currently lacks a storied history in the Taça da Liga, yet they stand on the brink of astonishing the world, striving to secure their first ever final appearance in the club's history.

Their story in making it to the semi-finals of this competition is a story for the history books. Estoril Praia, despite a lackluster start to the Primeira Liga season, managed to finish at the top of Group D with an unblemished record at that, a group comprising FC Porto and Leixões. Their first opponent was Leixões, winning 2-1 on the road, and subsequently, they proceeded to embrace their sacrificial lamb role against FC Porto; however, at the end, fate lent them a helping hand as they caused a major upset to win 3-1 at home.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Carne; Parra, Volnei, Vital; Gomes, Fernandes, Koindredi, Araujo; Guitane, A Marques, J Marques

Match Facts

• Benfica have won five consecutive home matches against Estoril Praia.
• Estoril Praia is currently on a four-match losing streak across all competitions.
• Benfica averages 2.21 goals per game when playing at home, and Estoril Praia averages 1.32 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the most recent 26 encounters, Benfica emerged victorious 22 times, shared 4 draws, and Estoril Praia has yet to secure a win. The goal difference favors Benfica at 58-20.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica has consistently been the dominant force in this fixture, maintaining an undefeated record against Estoril in all their previous encounters. They are expected to secure a comfortable and commanding victory in the upcoming match.

As such, we anticipate the home side to cover the Asian handicap of -1.5, as this has been the case in five of their last eight home matches across all competitions.

• Asian Handicap - Benfica -1.5 for 1.70
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.89
• Anytime Goalscorer - Angel Di Maria for 2.22