Farense vs Benfica: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — December 17, 2025
On Wednesday, December 17, in the Round of 16 of the Portuguese Cup, Farense will host Benfica at home. Get all the details about both teams and a match prediction in this preview.
See also: Manchester City vs Brentford prediction and betting tips 17 December 2025
Match preview
Farense approaches this cup clash against Benfica in the midst of an inconsistent 2025/26 campaign. The Faro-based side is battling hard for points in Portugal’s Segunda Liga and has repeatedly struggled against opponents who dominate possession. After 14 rounds, the team has collected 19 points and sits ninth in the table. Farense’s main weakness lies in defense: when playing positionally, they often lose compactness between the lines, making it easy for opponents to exploit the half-spaces. However, at home, Farense tends to play with more courage, relying on high motivation, combative aggression, and swift counter-attacks following turnovers.
Against Benfica, the hosts are likely to opt for a highly pragmatic approach. Expect a low defensive block near their own box, minimal risk-taking, and a focus on set pieces or rare counter-attacks—this seems to be the most logical scenario. Any slip from the Lisbon side in their build-up could present Farense with a lifeline, but maintaining peak concentration throughout the match will be a formidable challenge.
Benfica, meanwhile, continues to assert itself as one of the powerhouses of Portuguese football in the 2025/26 season. The team is performing consistently in the league, showcasing a potent attacking game and relentless pressing. After a shaky start to the campaign, Mourinho’s side has found its rhythm and currently sits third in Portugal with 32 points, trailing leaders Porto by eight. Benfica spends plenty of time in possession, makes full use of the flanks, and often overloads the penalty area with attacking full-backs and midfield runners. Their attacking play is versatile: they can break down packed defenses with quick, short passing or inject pace with incisive vertical balls.
In the Portuguese Cup, the visitors will hardly want to let this one drag into a tense finale. Expect Benfica to impose a high tempo from the opening minutes and stamp their authority early, aiming to control proceedings comfortably. However, there remains a certain vulnerability to counterattacks for the Lisbon giants, especially if they commit too many players forward and leave space behind their defenders.
Probable lineups
Farense: Araujo; D Agrella, Herrero, Fernandes, Romero, Delgado; Candeias, Falcao, Semedo, Almeida; Sangare
Benfica: Soares; Dedic, A Silva, T Araujo, Dahl; Barrenechea, M Silva; Rego, Sudakov, Aursnes; Pavlidis
Match facts and head-to-head
- Benfica have won all of the last five meetings
- Farense have scored in four of their last five matches
- Benfica have won four of their last five matches, losing just once in their last ten
Prediction
I expect a straightforward match for the visitors: Benfica are in excellent form and make easy work of lower-ranked opponents. My prediction: Asian handicap Benfica (-1.5) at 1.65
