Pacos de Ferreira vs. Benfica – prediction, match analysis and team news.
Thursday night’s Primeira Liga matchup between top-of-the-table Benfica and bottom-dwelling Pacos de Ferreira takes place at the Estadio da Mata Real.
After losing 3-2 to the Eagles in the reverse fixture of this match back in August, Pacos de Ferreira, who finished sixth in the Primeira Liga just two seasons ago, will be out for vengeance when they host Benfica.
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The hosts are attempting to avoid going 11 games without a victory at home, while the visitors are looking to avoid losing their 18th straight game overall.
In the race for the first Primeira Liga title in four years, Roger Schmidt’s team still holds a four-point lead over second-place Braga.
But then, current league-defending champions Porto and Sporting Lisbon are further back in third and fourth place, respectively.
Pacos de Ferreira team news
Defender Maracas was suspended after being shown a red card against Sporting Braga on Saturday.
Left-back Antunes and attacking midfielder Matchoi Djalo have served their suspension period and will be available for selection.
Abbas Ibrahim is injured while Nicolas Gaitan will be available again after serving his ban.
Benfica team news
Rafa is out due to a muscle problem, and Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi is available again after serving a one-match suspension.
Head to Head comparison
Benfica have won all their last 6 encounters with Pacos de Ferreira.
Verdict
At the Estadio da Mata Real, Benfica will be considered heavy favorites to earn all three points, and they will probably enjoy more success in the final third than their struggling opponents.
Pacos de Ferreira gave the Eagles some trouble in their previous encounter this season, but they might find it difficult to get past their backline this time.
Match Fact
Benfica have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches in Portugal’s Primera Liga
Pacos de Ferreira vs. Benfica – prediction
My best choice is for Benfica to win and over 2.5 goals to come on board again @1.53 .
However, if you like big odds and a risky tip, then you can bet on Benfica win to nil @1.86
Other tips are
| SPAIN: Copa del Rey Real Madrid vs Atl. Madrid Pick: 1X and Under 4.5 |
| NETHERLANDS: Eredivisie Groningen vs Cambuur Pick: 12 |
| GERMANY: Regionalliga Nordost TB Berlin vs Chemnitzer Pick: 2 |
| INDIA: Super League Goa vs East Bengal Pick: 1 |
| KENYA: Premier League Gor Mahia vs Talanta FC Pick: 1 |
| MOROCCO: Botola Pro Chabab Mohammedia vs Berkane Pick: Under 2.5 |
| SAUDI ARABIA: Super Cup Al Feiha vs Al-Hilal Pick: 2 |
