Benfica will travel to Vila Nova de Famalicão on Sunday night for both club's opening matches of the 2024/25 Primeira Liga season.
As the most successful club in Portugal, will be setting out this season like any other with the aim of winning the Primeira Liga.
They haven't been handed the easiest of starts, though, as Famalicao have proven over the past four years that they are more than capable of competing against anyone.
As part of the first round of Primeira Liga predictions, here is our Famalicao vs Benfica prediction.
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Famalicao vs Benfica prediction: Benfica to edge out a close match
- It's very rare that Famalicao lose by a large margin. Their last seven defeats have all come by just one goal.
- Benfica have scored two or more goals in four of their six pre-season matches.
- Famalicao have scored at least once in their last nine matches in all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Famalicao 1-2 Benfica
Benfica know that they will need to be at their best on Sunday night if they are to start the season with a win, especially after they lost here at the back end of last season. Famalicao are on a brilliant run of scoring goal so you can almost forget a win-to-nil here but Benfica's quality should see them outscore the hosts.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Benfica go in as favourites
- Home: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
- Draw: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- Away: 10/21 (1.48) – 67.7%
The Famalicao vs Benfica odds show that the bookies haven't been too swayed by Famalicao's 2-0 win in this fixture just a few months ago. Benfica, who start the season as the favourites to win the Primeira Liga, have been priced at 10/21 with Ladbrokes to win on Sunday while a Famalicao win has been priced at 5/1. The draw, which would suit the hosts, has been priced at 18/5.
For more football predictions, check out our free betting tips for today page.
Most recent H2Hs: A seed of doubt has been planted
This is a fixture that Benfica have been dominant in since Famalicao secured promotion to the Primeira Liga back in 2019. In the 13 meetings that have taken place since 2019, Benfica have won nine, three have been drawn and Famalicao have won once. Perhaps crucially, though, that victory came in the most recent H2H when Famalicao ran out as 2-0 winners.
Portugal Primeira Liga 05/05/24
Famalicao
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 29/12/23
Benfica
Famalicao
Portugal Cup 25/11/23
Benfica
Famalicao
Portugal Primeira Liga 03/03/23
Benfica
Famalicao
Portugal Primeira Liga 10/09/22
Famalicao
Benfica
Famalicao preview: A reliable outfit
Famalicao have finished eighth in each of the last two Primeira Liga seasons and a similar finish this time around would suit the club just fine. There has been quite a lot of transfer activity this summer, with nine players coming in and six departing.
Predicted lineup: Junior (GK), Pinheiro, Haas, Mihaj, Moura, Youssouf, Topic, Rochinha, Sa, Sorriso & Aranda
Portugal Primeira Liga 01/09/24
L
Guimaraes
2
Famalicao
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 24/08/24
W
Boavista
0
Famalicao
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 19/08/24
W
Estrela
0
Famalicao
3
Portugal Primeira Liga 11/08/24
W
Benfica
0
Famalicao
2
Club Friendly List 03/08/24
D
Moreirense
0
Famalicao
0
Benfica preview: Searching for title #39
Benfica failed in their bid to defend the Primeira Liga title last season so will be more determined than ever to come out on top this season. The sale of João Neves is unquestionably a big blow but they have brought in Vangelis Pavlidis which fans are very excited about.
Predicted lineup: Trubin (GK), Bah, Araujo, Morata, Beste, Barreiro, Florentino, Aursnes, Mario, Prestianni & Pavlidis
Portugal Primeira Liga 30/08/24
D
Moreirense
1
Benfica
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 24/08/24
W
Estrela
0
Benfica
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 17/08/24
W
Casa Pia
0
Benfica
3
Portugal Primeira Liga 11/08/24
L
Famalicao
2
Benfica
0
Elite Club Friendlies 02/08/24
L
Fulham
1
Benfica
0
Player to watch: Vangelis Pavlidis
There is plenty of excitement in the air ahead of Vangelis Pavlidis' first competitive outing in a Benfica shirt. The Greek striker had an excellent season for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands last season, scoring 33 goals across all competitions and if he can get close to those numbers this season, then it will be money well spent.
Pavlidis has performed extremely well for Benfica during pre-season, scoring seven goals in five matches. This form has only raised expectation levels further so it will be fascinating to see how gets on.
