Benfica have hit top form: Benfica vs Estoril prediction
The fourth-round Primeira Liga match between Benfica and Estoril will take place on 31 August at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The hosts return to domestic action after successfully qualifying for the Europa League, while the visitors have collected just one point from three matches and head into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats.
Benfica: European success and seven goals in the league
Marco Silva's side beat Aarhus 3-1 in midweek to reach the main stage of the Europa League with a 6-2 aggregate victory. It was their third consecutive win in all competitions and continued a strong run following an unconvincing start to the season.
Their second-round league match against Casa Pia was particularly impressive, ending in a 7-0 thrashing. Vangelis Pavlidis remains the main attacking threat, with the striker scoring 10 goals in his last six appearances, while Gianluca Prestianni scored twice in midweek.
Estoril: winless run continues
Vasco Matos' side began the season with a 1-1 draw against Famalicão before suffering two 2-0 defeats, first against Nacional and then Rio Ave. As a result, Estoril have collected just one point and dropped to 16th place.
Their problems stretch back to last season, with the team now winless in 11 consecutive league matches. The defence is particularly concerning: after conceding 57 goals in the previous campaign, Estoril have already allowed opponents to score five times in the opening three rounds of the new season.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Benfica have won their last three competitive matches.
- The Lisbon side have beaten Estoril in their last nine league meetings.
- Estoril are winless in 11 consecutive Primeira Liga matches.
The hosts' attacking power should decide the outcome: Benfica vs Estoril prediction
Benfica currently look significantly stronger than their opponents in both form and squad quality. The difference is especially noticeable in attack, with the hosts regularly creating a large number of chances while Estoril's defence remains unstable.
The visitors may be able to take advantage of Benfica's fatigue after their European match and create an opportunity of their own, but containing Pavlidis, Prestianni and the other key players for 90 minutes will be extremely difficult. If the hosts maintain their current tempo, they should secure a convincing victory.
