Portuguese giants aim to extend winning streak. Benfica vs Lech Poznań prediction
Benfica and Lech Poznań will meet on Thursday, November 5, in the fourth round of the UEFA Europa League league phase. The match will be played at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, with kickoff at 21:00 CET. I am backing a goals-related bet in this game.
- Also read: Crystal Palace vs Hoffenheim: who will come out on top in a Premier League-Bundesliga showdown?
H2H and statistical facts
- Benfica are on a six-match winning streak.
- Lech have conceded in 11 consecutive matches.
- The Poles conceded 7 of their 9 Europa League goals in the first half.
- Benfica won both matches against Lech in 2020 — 4-0 at home and 4-2 away.
Benfica
Benfica have made an outstanding start to their Europa League campaign. The Lisbon side have won all three of their opening league-phase matches, taking nine points from a possible nine. First, the Portuguese giants beat Milan 2-0 away from home, then thrashed Celtic 4-1 before comfortably overcoming Omonia in Cyprus in the third round — 4-1. The team have scored 10 goals and conceded just two, which has sent them to the top of the competition's overall standings.
Marco Silva's side have been just as convincing in the domestic league. After 10 rounds, Benfica sit second in the Primeira Liga with 25 points. Their record stands at eight wins, one draw and one defeat. They are five points behind leaders Porto, meaning the Lisbon club cannot afford to drop points if they want to remain in the title race.
Their recent results also make a strong case for the Portuguese giants. Benfica have won their last six matches in all competitions. That said, their most recent game against Alverca was far from straightforward: Vangelis Pavlidis scored the only goal from the penalty spot, while the opponents caused the Eagles plenty of problems.
Pavlidis remains Benfica's main attacking threat. The Greek striker is one of the most prolific players in this season's Europa League, with eight goals to his name including qualifying matches.
Lech
Lech Poznań have yet to impress in the Europa League. After three rounds, the Polish side have collected just one point and sit 32nd in the overall standings. Their start was disastrous: the team suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace before losing to Bayer by the same scoreline. It was only in their third match that Lech finally picked up their first point, drawing 1-1 at home with Sunderland.
Lech look like a completely different team in the Polish league. After 12 matches, they sit top of the Ekstraklasa. They lead their nearest challengers, Górnik Zabrze, by three points and also have a game in hand.
The team have shown impressive attacking form in their recent domestic fixtures. Lech thrashed Śląsk Wrocław 4-1 and Korona Kielce 6-1, then beat fierce rivals Legia Warsaw 2-1 before overcoming Wisła Kraków 3-1 in the latest round. However, those wins were interrupted by a shock 1-0 defeat to Siarka Tarnobrzeg in the Polish Cup.
It is worth noting that the Polish club possess a strong enough midfield to transition quickly from defence to attack. However, their European fixtures have exposed serious problems against high-level opposition: nine goals conceded in three matches is a worrying statistic ahead of their trip to Lisbon.
Expected lineups
- Benfica: Trubin, Bah, Chirivella, Araújo, Kahrvani, Silva, Aursnes, Echeverri, Silva, Schjelderup, Pavlidis.
- Lech Poznań: Lis, Gurgul, Égbe, Skrzypczak, Pereira, Kozubal, Murawski, Rodríguez, Walemark, Håkans, Bengtsson.
What to bet on?
Benfica look like clear favourites ahead of this clash. The Portuguese side have won all three of their European fixtures, are enjoying a strong run of form and boast a potent attack. Despite topping the Polish league, Lech have been wholly unconvincing in the Europa League and are allowing opponents far too many chances in front of goal. The Polish side may be able to respond to individual attacks and even create a chance of their own, but withstanding Benfica's sustained pressure will be extremely difficult. I am backing a Benfica win and under 4.5 total goals.
