- Benfica have won 9 of their last 10 matches in all competitions (D0, L1).
- Alverca have lost 2 of their last 5 games (W3, D0, L2).
- Benfica beat Alverca 2-1 when they last met 8 months ago and have won their last 2 head-to-head meetings.
Águias to soar over Alverca
A Benfica side with their wings firmly spread can soar past a determined Alverca on Monday when Alverca visit Estadio da Luz, Portugal for a fixture which should be a home banker.
Sergio Ferreira has set up his men to be tough to break down, especially at the back where they drop into a 5-4-1 shape when under pressure. The Maior do Ribatejo press well in the centre of the pitch from their mid-block and have some quality in transition that could hurt Benfica if they're on form, but the hosts are in such fine form that we can't see the visitors coming away with any points.
Benfica have won their last four, thrashing Celtic 4-1 at home, thumping Omonia 4-1 away and then claiming a 2-1 league win at Santa Clara at the weekend.
Alverca are in a rut
Alverca have lost their last two matches following a 2-0 extra-time defeat to Segunda Liga side Tondela in the Taca de Portugal before the international break and a 1-0 home defeat to Arouca in the Primeira Liga. Their run across all competitions now stands at three wins, two draws and five defeats in their last 10.
So, whilst they may be competitive for the early stages of this game, we think Benfica should be in charge after an hour and can cover this game with a few goals. Alverca are conceding an average of 1.80 goals per away game across all competitions, winning two and losing three of their five games away from home this season.
The hosts are undefeated in four at home across all competitions this season, averaging 2.75 goals scored and 0.75 goals conceded. Hence, we're with the home win at 19/100 here and an over 2.5 goals shout at 9/20 looks like a solid option with Benfica's attacking talents sure to keep the scoreboard busy.
Benfica’s creativity to take the game
Gianluca Prestianni is Benfica's best creative player right now with four assists in his last five appearances and he has been the focal point for the Eagles' attacking play. Diogo Spencer has three assists in Alverca's last five games, helping them score eight goals during that run, but the team's most lethal finisher has been Dawda Camara with three goals.
