Benfica will look to kick off 2026 on a high as they welcome Estoril Praia to Estadio da Luz on Saturday for round 17 of the Primeira Liga.
The Reds have struggled with inconsistency this season, leaving them five points behind city rivals Sporting Lisbon and a daunting 10 points adrift of leaders Porto.
Our Benfica vs Estoril Praia prediction offers a clear outlook on the contest, with additional Primeira Liga betting tips also available.
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Benfica vs Estoril Praia prediction: The Eagles aim to take flight in 2026
Key stats:
- Benfica have won each of the last seven league games between these sides.
- The Reds remain unbeaten in the league in their last 31 matches, stretching back to last season.
- Estoril have lost four of their seven away league fixtures this term (W1, D2).
- Benfica are unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions (W7, D3), all ending with fewer than 4.5 goals.
Correct score prediction: Benfica 3–1 Estoril
Benfica played out a 2–2 draw against Braga in their last outing, a result that saw them slip further in the title race, and they will be aiming for a strong start to the new year.
Estoril, meanwhile, enter in high spirits after back-to-back victories, including last weekend’s 4–1 triumph over Alverca. While they are expected to be competitive, the Canaries have historically struggled in this fixture.
The visitors have scored 27 and conceded 26 this season, showing both attacking promise and defensive vulnerability, which is likely to be reflected once again here, supporting the predicted scoreline.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Almost no chance for the visitors
- Home: 1/4 (1.25) – 80.0%
- Draw: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
- Away: 10/1 (11.00) – 9.1%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and subject to change.
These odds suggest Benfica are overwhelming favourites, with an 80.0% probability of victory, while Estoril’s 9.1% chance leaves little room for an upset, with a draw priced at 16.7%.
Our hot tip – both teams to score – offers appealing value at 11/10 (2.10).
Most recent H2H: Benfica to continue winning streak?
Benfica have dominated this fixture, winning the last seven league encounters against Estoril, including a 2–1 away victory in their most recent meeting.
Portugal Primeira Liga 03/05/25
Estoril
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 23/12/24
Benfica
Estoril
Portugal Primeira Liga 10/03/24
Benfica
Estoril
Portugal League Cup 24/01/24
Benfica
Estoril
Portugal Primeira Liga 07/10/23
Estoril
Benfica
Benfica preview: A host of absentees
Dodi Lukebakio and Leandro Barreiro will remain sidelined with ankle injuries, while Henrique Araujo is again out with a muscle problem.
Bruma (Achilles) and Alexander Bah (ACL) are also unavailable, and goalkeeper Samuel Soares will miss out, though this is unlikely to cause concern, as he is not a regular starter.
Predicted XI: Trubin (GK), Dedic, T Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl, Barrenechea, Rios, Aursnes, Barreiro, Sudakov & Pavlidis
Benfica’s last five results:
- Braga 2–2 Benfica (D)
- Benfica 1–0 Famalicao (W)
- SC Farense 0–2 Benfica (W)
- Moreirense 0–4 Benfica (W)
- Benfica 2–0 Napoli (W)
Estoril preview: Ian Cathro to retain winning formula?
Estoril could be without Or Israelov due to a thigh issue, while Xeka and Goncalo Costa remain sidelined. Andre Laczimicant is a doubt after missing the last match.
Head coach Ian Cathro may stick with the lineup from the previous game, with Alejandro Marques potentially leading the line for a second consecutive match and Yanis Begraoui likely to continue on the left flank following his recent brace.
Predicted XI: Robles (GK), P Carvalho, Bacher, Boma, Amaral, Holsgrove, Orellana, J Carvalho, Guitane, Marques & Begraoui
Estoril’s last five results:
- Estoril 4–1 Alverca (W)
- Estoril 1–0 Braga (W)
- Famalicao 4–0 Estoril (L)
- Estoril 3–3 Moreirense (D)
- Porto 1–0 Estoril (L)
Player to watch: Vangelis Pavlidis
Vangelis Pavlidis has scored 13 goals in the Primeira Liga this season, though he was recently overtaken by Sporting Lisbon’s Luis Suarez in the Golden Boot race, and it will be interesting to see how he responds in this encounter.