Benfica vs Santa Clara Predictions

Jon Wilde 16 May 2019

Benfica vs Santa Clara predictions for their Primeira Liga match on Saturday
We are backing Santa Clara to put up a good fight against the champions-elect
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Pizzi in action for Benfica (PA Images)

Benfica vs Santa Clara Score Prediction

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Benfica to win 2-1 14/1

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Benfica vs Santa Clara Match Info

Date: Saturday May 18 2019
Kick-off time: 6.30pm BST
Venue: Estadio da Luz

Benfica vs Santa Clara Head-To-Head Record

Last 3 matches

January 11 2019: Santa Clara 0-2 Benfica

March 23 2003: Benfica 1-0 Santa Clara
November 3 2002: Santa Clara 1-2 Benfica

Total head-to-head league matches played: 7
Benfica wins: 6
Santa Clara wins: 0
Draws: 1

Benfica vs Santa Clara Stats

All seven previous league matches between these clubs have contained under 3.5 goals
Benfica’s three home wins against Santa Clara have all been either 1-0 or 2-1
Only Benfica and Porto have conceded fewer away goals than Santa Clara in the Primeira Liga this season

Benfica vs Santa Clara Match Preview

Benfica look certain to regain the Portuguese league title this weekend – but it may not be a runaway success against Santa Clara that sparks the celebrations.

After their four-year sequence of Primeira Liga triumphs was ended by Porto last season, Benfica have bounced straight back and the key result was their 2-1 success away to the champions in early March – both teams have taken 28 points from a possible 30 since then.

It means Benfica only need to draw at home to Santa Clara to take the trophy back to Lisbon because, with a two-point lead over Porto and having beaten them in both league meetings this term, they have a better head-to-head record which separates clubs that finish level.

As you can see from the odds below, Santa Clara are 50/1 to spoil the party – Porto host Sporting Lisbon simultaneously and are long odds-on for the win they need – but we do not think they will be swept away by the champions-elect.

The team from the Azores are solid defensively on their travels (see stats above), have usually given Benfica a good test in the past and have lost only two of their last 12 games to occupy an excellent seventh position in their first campaign following promotion.

Nevertheless, Benfica are expected to win and provide Bruno Lage, who spent three years at Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea as Carlos Carvalhal’s assistant, with his first trophy since being appointed as manager to replace Rui Vitoria in early January.

MORE: Looking for predictions on other Portuguese matches? See our Primeira Liga betting tips section, packed with insight from our expert tipsters. Plus, if you are planning a Correct Score bet, check out the latest selections on our Correct Score Predictions page. We also have lots more free football tips across our site.