Benfica vs Santa Clara Prediction: One Goal Could Rock the New Coach's Debut

Benfica will welcome Santa Clara to the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the fifth round of the Primeira Liga. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Benfica

Just when Benfica thought their luck was shifting in a favorable direction, securing consecutive victories against Casa Pia (3-0) and Estrela Amadora (1-0) following a misstep in the league opener against Famalicao, losing 2-0. Their joy was shortlived after dropping two points in a 1-1 draw against Moreirense away from home before the international break. 

Despite being in charge of the Eagles for two years and leading them to their 38th title in the 2023 season, that wasn't enough to convince the board to keep Roger Schmidt at the club anymore, terminating the 57-year-old contract. Former coach Bruno Lage, who has had rather unsuccessful spells with Wolverhampton and most recently Botafogo, returns to the hot seat looking to turn things around.

With 7 points on board from four matches, Benfica occupies 7th place in the Primeira Liga standings and are level on points with eighth-placed Moreirense. They are five points adrift of the top spot.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Fernandez; Florentino, Barreiro; Kokcu, Prestianni, Di Maria; Pavlidis

Santa Clara

Seeking to exploit Benfica's misfortunes and spoil Bruno Lage's return to his former club is newly promoted Santa Clara, who have flown out of the blocks to justify their status as a worthy top-flight club after spending one year in the second-tier last season.

Os Acorianos have suffered just one defeat in their last four matches. That defeat came against Portuguese Super Cup winners FC Porto, losing 2-0 at home after kicking off their campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory away to Estoril Praia. However, they did manage to bounce back with consecutive victories against Casa Pia (0-2) and AVS (2-1).

With 9 points on board, Santa Clara occupies 5th place in the Primeira Liga standings and are three points adrift of the top spot occupied by defending champions Sporting CP. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Batista; Lima, Rocha, Venancio; Soares, Ferreira, Firmino, Pereira; Lopes, Safira, Silva

Match Facts

• Benfica have lost one of their last six matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Santa Clara have lost nine of their last nine away matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Benfica averages 0.86 goals per game when playing at home, and Santa Clara averages 3.2 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 13 meetings, Benfica have won 11 times, Santa Clara have won 1 times, and there has been 1 draw with the goal difference being 32-10 in favor of Benfica. 

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica will be aiming to impress their former coach Bruno Lage with a convincing home win against Santa Clara, who have fared much better than them this season. The Eagles have two wins to their name in four matches and will want to make it three wins here. 

Despite being overwhelming favorites in this encounter, Benfica are not a side to be fully trusted. Therefore, we recommend siding with the underdogs in this encounter to find the back of the net given their threat in the final third this season.

• Total 2 - Over 0.5 for 2
• Corners - Under 10 for 2.00
• Highest Scoring Half - 2nd Half for 2.02