Gil Vicente vs Benfica Lisbon Prediction & Betting Tips - Liga Portugal

Prediction published on 24/08/2023, 13:00  by Devesh Jaganath in Liga Portugal Predictions

Gil Vicente will play host to the reigning Primeira Liga champions Benfica on Saturday. Both sides are on three points each after the first two games of the season. The hosts are currently in eighth place, while the visitors are 11th. The home side began the league season with an excellent 5-0 win over Portimonense on opening day. However, they were unable to deliver the same performance on the road last week, losing 2-1 to Vitoria Guimaraes. Gil Vicente ended last season in 13th place with 37 points, though they only won one of their final eight league games. Gilistas took 24 points in 17 matches at home last term and have won their last three on home soil either side of the summer break. They also lost 2-0 to this opponent at this venue last season and are 7/1 outsiders to win this match. 

Meanwhile, Benfica brought an end to a three-season wait to lift the Primeira League trophy last term. They ended the campaign with 87 points, two ahead of Porto and unbeaten in their final six matches. However, they started the current campaign with an unexpected 3-2 loss against Boavista. The champions did bounce back last week, though, with a 2-0 home win over Estrela. Rafa has looked lively for the visitors in the early stages of the season, scoring in both matches so far. Angel Di Maria has also opened his account for his new side. As Aguias had the league’s best away record last season, with 13 wins in 17 matches. They have also won their last two matches against this opponent and are short-priced favourites to secure the points in this one.