Estoril vs. Benfica Prediction, Betting Tips

As the 2024–25 Primeira Liga season nears its conclusion, Estoril Praia prepares to host league leaders Benfica on May 3, 2025. This matchup is pivotal for both teams: Benfica aims to solidify their position at the top, while Estoril seeks to finish the season on a high note. This comprehensive analysis delves into team form, head-to-head statistics, key players, and betting insights to provide a well-rounded perspective on the upcoming clash.

Match Overview

• Fixture: Estoril Praia vs. Benfica
• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 20:30 (local time)
• Venue: Estádio António Coimbra da Mota, Estoril
• Competition: Primeira Liga, Matchday 33

Team Form and Recent Performance

Benfica: Dominant and Determined

Benfica enters this fixture in formidable form, boasting an impressive record over their last ten matches:

Recent Results:

• April 27: Benfica 6–0 AVS
• April 23: Benfica 4–0 Tirsense (Taça de Portugal)
• April 19: Vitória SC 0–3 Benfica
• April 13: Benfica 2–2 Arouca
• April 9: Tirsense 0–5 Benfica (Taça de Portugal)

With 34 goals scored and only 10 conceded in their last ten games, Benfica averages 3.4 goals per match, underscoring their attacking prowess. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis has been instrumental, netting 18 league goals this season, placing him second in the league’s top scorer chart.

Estoril: Seeking Consistency

Estoril’s recent form has been mixed, reflecting their mid-table standing:

Recent Results:

• April 29: Casa Pia 1–3 Estoril
• April 19: Estoril 0–2 Braga
• April 12: Famalicão 3–0 Estoril
• April 4: AVS 0–3 Estoril
• March 30: Estoril 1–2 FC Porto

While they secured a convincing win against Casa Pia, losses to Braga and Famalicão highlight their inconsistency. Estoril has scored 1.1 goals per match on average in their last ten games, conceding 1.6 goals per match.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Benfica has historically dominated this fixture:

Last 5 Matches:

• December 23, 2024: Benfica 3–0 Estoril
• March 10, 2024: Benfica 3–1 Estoril
• October 7, 2023: Estoril 0–1 Benfica
• April 23, 2023: Benfica 1–0 Estoril
• November 9, 2022: Estoril 0–1 Benfica (Taça de Portugal)

Out of 68 total encounters, Benfica has secured 51 victories, Estoril has won 4 times, and 13 matches have ended in draws.

Key Players to Watch

Benfica

• Vangelis Pavlidis: With 18 league goals, Pavlidis is a constant threat to defenses.
• Kerem Aktürkoğlu: Contributing 10 goals and 4 assists, Aktürkoğlu adds creativity and finishing prowess.
• Ángel Di María: The experienced winger has scored 8 goals, providing leadership and flair on the flank.

Estoril

• Alejandro Marqués: Leading Estoril’s scoring chart with 5 goals, Marqués is pivotal to their attacking efforts.
• João Carvalho: With 2 goals, Carvalho adds depth to the midfield.
• Jordan Holsgrove: Contributing 2 assists, Holsgrove plays a key role in creating opportunities.

Tactical Analysis

Benfica’s Approach

Under the guidance of manager Bruno Lage, Benfica employs an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing possession and high pressing. Their midfield duo provides stability, allowing creative players like Di María and Aktürkoğlu to exploit spaces. Pavlidis serves as the focal point in attack, capitalizing on the service from the flanks and midfield.

Estoril’s Strategy

Estoril typically sets up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to control the midfield and launch quick counter-attacks. However, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed against top-tier teams. To counter Benfica’s offensive strength, Estoril may adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on compactness and seeking opportunities on the break.

Betting Tips and Odds

• Match Result: Benfica to win – Given their superior form and head-to-head record, Benfica is favored to secure victory.
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 goals – Benfica’s attacking form suggests a high-scoring game.
• Both Teams to Score: Yes – Estoril has shown the capability to find the net, and Benfica has conceded in recent away matches.
• First Goalscorer: Ángel Di María – With his recent scoring streak, Di María is a strong candidate to open the scoring.

Predicted Scoreline

Considering the form and statistics, a 3-1 victory for Benfica is a plausible outcome. Their attacking depth and historical dominance over Estoril support this prediction.

Conclusion

As the season approaches its climax, Benfica aims to maintain their momentum and secure the league title. Estoril, while facing a formidable opponent, will look to leverage home advantage and disrupt Benfica’s rhythm. Fans can anticipate an engaging match filled with tactical battles and individual brilliance.