Farense vs Benfica Prediction: The Eagles Are Flying Above Enemy Territory, How Will The Lions of Faro React?

Farense will welcome Benfica at the Estádio de São Luís in the 30th round of the Primeira Liga. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Farense

Form: DWLDL

Farense were thrown off course from their path to securing their second consecutive league victory against Vitoria de Guimaraes as they conceded a late goal to be held to a 1-1 draw at the Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques.

The Lions of Faro are currently on a two-match unbeaten run (W1, D1), though they still find themselves lacking in confidence considering they have secured one victory in their last 11 matches in the league (L6, D4). At the Estádio de São Luís, they were on a four-match winless run (L2, D2) before thrashing Boavista 2-0 and will likely use this as a springboard to extend their unbeaten run both in the league and at home to three matches.

With 31 points accumulated from 29 matches, Farense sits in tenth place in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with 11th-placed and 12th-placed Rio Ave and Gil Vicente, respectively. They are a massive 39 points behind their opponents in this impending encounter and can only contend for a mid-table finish. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Velho; Pastor, Silva, Rossi, Talys; Falcao, Barbosa, Caseres, Matias; Belloumi, Balde

Benfica

Form: WLWWW

It was certainly a challenging task for Benfica to be the team to halt Marseille's undefeated streak at the Orange Vélodrome in the Europa League, a streak that has lasted for five years. They relinquished their one-goal advantage from the first leg, suffering a 1-0 defeat in regular time to bring the aggregate score level to 2-2, with their demise being in the penalty shootout, where they lost 4-2, halting their prospects of progressing to the semi-finals.

Prior to that, they defeated Moreirense 3-0 at home in the league. This comes after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of table-toppers Sporting CP, which halted a three-match winning streak. Away from home, they've displayed a topsy-turvy performance with two wins, two losses, and one draw. It's worth noting that those defeats came from sides in the same bracket as them, the top three in the standings, Sporting CP and FC Porto, where they were outscored 7-1.

With 70 points accumulated from 29 matches, Benfica sits in second place in the Primeira Liga standings, eight points behind second-placed Braga and seven points adrift of first-placed Sporting CP. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Soares; Bah, Silva, Morato, Carreras; Mario, Neves; Campos, Silva, Di Maria; Cabral

Match Facts

• Farense are currently on a two-match unbeaten run when playing at home in the Primeira Liga.
• Benfica have preserved one clean sheet in their last five away matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Farense averages 1.36 goals per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 1.79 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 21 meetings, Farense have won three times, Benfica have won 14 times, and there have been four draws.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica aims to bounce back in the league after their disappointing Europa League exit. They have been the dominant force in this matchup and are likely favorites to claim victory, given their superior squad and experience.

However, their defense has been shaky lately, with just one clean sheet in their last five away matches in the Primeira Liga. This vulnerability could give even a struggling Farense side an opportunity to score. Therefore, it is expected that both teams will score in this match, as has been the case in seven of their last ten meetings.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.75
• Total - Over 3.5 for 2.27
• Half-time/Full-time - Benfica for 1.90