Benfica vs Pacos de Ferreira prediction, preview, team news and more | Primeira Liga 2020-21
Benfica are set to play hosts to Pacos de Ferreira on Monday at the Estadio da Luz for their latest Primeira Liga fixture.
Benfica come into this game on the back of a 4-0 win over Polish side Lech Poznan on Thursday in their UEFA Europa League group stage game.
Goals from veteran centre-back Jan Vertonghen, young Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez, Portugal international Pizzi and German midfielder Julian Weigl secured a comfortable win for Jorge Jesus' Benfica.
Pacos de Ferreira, on the other hand, beat Moreirense 1-0 on Wednesday in the Primeira Liga.
An early first-half goal from Brazilian striker Douglas Tanque sealed the deal for Pacos de Ferreira.
Benfica vs Pacos de Ferreira Head-to-Head
In 34 previous encounters between the two sides, Benfica hold the clear advantage. They have won 29 games, lost two and drawn three.
The two clubs last faced each other in January this year, with Benfica beating Pacos de Ferreira 2-0. Goals from Portugal international Rafa Silva and striker Carlos Vinicius, now at Tottenham Hotspur, ensured victory for Benfica.
Benfica form guide in the Primeira Liga: W-W-L-L-W
Pacos de Ferreira form guide in the Primeira Liga: W-D-W-W-W
Benfica vs Pacos de Ferreira Team News
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus will be unable to call upon the services of Portuguese full-back Andre Almeida, who is out injured. There are doubts over the availability of centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo and Morocco international Adel Taarabt.
Injured: Andre Almeida
Doubtful: Jean-Clair Todibo, Adel Taarabt
Suspended: None
Meanwhile, Pacos de Ferreira will be without Israeli forward Dor Jan and defender Jorge Silva, who are both out due to injuries.
Injured: Dor Jan, Jorge Silva
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Benfica vs Pacos de Ferreira Predicted XI
Benfica Predicted XI (4-4-2): Odysseas Vlachodimos, Gilberto, Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen, Alex Grimaldo, Rafa Silva, Julian Weigl, Pizzi, Everton Cebolinha, Luca Waldschmidt, Darwin Nunez
Pacos de Ferreira Predicted XI (4-3-3): Jordi, Fernando Fonseca, Marcelo, Marco Baixinho, Oleg Reabciuk, Luiz Carlos, Stephen Eustaquio, Bruno Costa, Helder Ferreira, Douglas Tanque, Luther Singh
Benfica vs Pacos de Ferreira Prediction
Benfica have assembled a good squad under the management of Jorge Jesus.
Despite losing star centre-back Ruben Dias and striker Carlos Vinicius to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Darwin Nunez have impressed. Luca Waldschmidt is another summer signing to have hit the ground running at Benfica.
Pacos de Ferreira, on the other hand, finished 13th last season and are currently fifth in the league table. They have won four of their last five league games, and could prove to be a problematic opposition for Benfica.
Benfica, given their talent and manager, should be able to beat Pacos de Ferreira.
Prediction: Benfica 3-2 Pacos de Ferreira
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