/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballwhispers.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F04%2FBenfica-vs-Nacional-prediction.jpg)
Benfica and Nacional are scheduled to meet on Sunday, 12 April, in the next round of Primeira Liga.
While the hosts are still hoping to get to the top and win the title, their chances are dwindling with each passing round. Meanwhile, Nacional are hanging by a thread as they are just one spot above the relegation zone.
So, both teams will be looking for points in this match and with that in mind, we have prepared a detailed preview of the game and our top Benfica vs Nacional predictions.
Furthermore, you can always check our other Primeira Liga predictions and our favourite betting tips for today.
Contents
Benfica vs Nacional key stats
- Benfica are 41 points ahead of Nacional in Primeira Liga standings and they are still undefeated in the league.
- Nacional have only one win in their last nine games in the league.
- Vasilis Pavlidis has 22 goals in Primeira Liga this season.
Benfica vs Nacional preview: Hosts in desperate need of points
| Benfica | vs | Nacional |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Position | 15th |
| 66 | Points | 25 |
| 59 | Goals For | 31 |
| 18 | Goals Against | 39 |
| 13 | Clean Sheets | 5 |
| 3rd | Home Rank | 14th |
| 3rd | Away Rank | 13th |
While Benfica are still undefeated in the Primeira Liga this season, they are trailing behind both Porto and Sporting in the standings. They are seven points behind league leaders Porto and two points behind Sporting, who also have a game in hand on them.
With that in mind, it's hard to see how Benfica can win the title this season, although in theory they still have a chance, with six rounds left. However, considering the simple fact that the top three teams in the table have only lost twice this entire season, Benfica's title dreams are pretty much over.
Benfica's recent form has been solid, but two draws in the last five league matches will likely be very costly.
Heading into this match, Benfica are without injured Bruma, Nuno Felix, and Joao Veloso, while Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro are doubtful.
When it comes to Nacional, they enter this game after a win over Estrela Amadora in the last round, which was their first victory after eight rounds without one. That being said, it was a very important win for them since it allowed them to escape the relegation zone, at least for a while.
Right now, Nacional are tied with Casa Pia, the first team below them, who sit in a spot that leads to the relegation playoffs. However, Casa Pia have a game in hand on Nacional, which is also true for the next team in the standings, Tondela, who are five points behind Nacional and Casa Pia.
All things considered, it will be an exciting battle for survival between these teams and Nacional need any points they can get to avoid relegation.
Paulinho Boia, who scored in Nacional's win over Estrela last time around, will miss this match to serve a suspension. Also, Ivanildo Fernandes and Ulisses are out with injuries, while Miguel Baeza, Joao Aurelio, Lucas Franca, and Jose Gomes are questionable.
Benfica vs Nacional form guide & betting tips
| Benfica | vs | Nacional |
|---|---|---|
| W-D-W-W-D | League Form | L-D-L-L-W |
| 11 | Points | 4 |
| 3rd | Form Table | 13th |
| 10 | Goals For | 4 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 5 |
| W-W-D | Form (all comps) | L-L-W |
Whispers predicts: Benfica 2-0 Nacional
There is little doubt about the winner of this match and anything other than Benfica claiming all three points would be a huge surprise. However, the odds are accordingly low on the hosts winning, so backing Benfica to win to nil at 10/11 odds makes much more sense.
As we mentioned before, Benfica's top scorer in the league this season is Vangelis Pavlidis, with 22 goals. The Greek forward scored a late winner in the reverse fixture against Nacional, so backing him to score in this game too at 1/2 odds is sensible. For the braver souls out there, it might be worth betting on Pavlidis to score first at 13/5 odds.
> Benfica to win to nil at 10/11 | Likelihood: Possible
> Vangelis Pavlidis to score anytime at 1/2 | Likelihood: Possible
> Vangelis Pavlidis to score anytime first at 13/5 | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct score 2-0 at 7/1 | Likelihood: Outsider