Santa Clara vs Benfica Lisbon Prediction & Betting Tips - Liga Portugal

Prediction published on 18/01/2023, 18:00  by Ioannis in Liga Portugal Predictions

In the 17th round of Liga Portugal, Santa Clara will host Benfica at Estadio de São Miguel. Santa Clara currently sits in 16th place, just one point away from safety, while Benfica sits at the top of the table with a four point cushion from second place. Santa Clara has had a difficult season so far, and their form has been poor in recent weeks. They are currently on a seven game winless streak, with their last win coming in November. This profligate run of form has also been reflected in their attacking numbers, as they have not scored in their last three games and have the third worst attack in Liga Portugal. Despite these shortcomings, Santa Clara has been slightly better on home turf, with just four defeats in their last twenty home games. However, they have never beaten Benfica at home and are expected to struggle in this match.  

Benfica have been he dominant team in Liga Portugal this season deservedly sits at the top of the table at the moment. Nonetheless, they are coming off a pulsating 2-2 draw against Sporting Lisbon, where they needed Gonçalo Ramos’ brace to claim the point and saw the distance from their suitors shrink to four points. This was another two dropped points for the Lisbon Eagles, who have dropped their impeccable standards since the fall of 2022 and have taken just four points from the possible nine after the restart. Despite their recent struggles, Benfica is still impressive on the road, with seven wins in their last nine away games and the best defensive record in the league with just four goals conceded in seven outings. They have been solid defensively and have a strong attack led by Gonçalo Ramos, who has been in great form this season and is deservedly the division’s top scorer.