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Hearts' ambitions of reaching the league phase of the Europa League are all but over as they welcome Benfica to Tynecastle Park in the second leg of qualifying on Thirsday night.
Indeed, the Jambos lost 6-1 in the first leg in Portugal, and would have to do something European football has rarely seen in overturning a five-goal defeicit.
Benfica can almost count themselves safely through, so it will be interesting to see how they approach this match.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Hearts vs. Benfica key stats
- Hearts have lost three of their last four games in all competitions (W1).
- Benfica are on a four-match unbeaten run across all competitions (W3, D1).
- Benfica played in the Champions League last season.
Hearts vs. Benfica preview: Visitors to earn another victory?
Hearts vs Benfica — Tale of the Tape
| Hearts | vs | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
| 4th (Scottish Premiership) | Position | 14th (Liga Portugal) |
| 3 | Points | 1 |
| 5 | Goals For | 2 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 2 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 1st | Home / Away Rank | 14th |
Having agonisingly missed out on the Scottish Premiership title on the final day to Celtic, Hearts have endured a difficult summer.
Manager Derek McInnes, captain Lawrence Shankland and key player Cammy Devlin all left for Rangers, and Wouter Vrancken is now in charge.
He too has had a difficult start, as Hearts have lost four of their five competitive matches this season (W1).
With the gap from the first leg so big, Vrancken could be tempted to rest his key players ahead of their next domestic game, although Stephen Kingsley, Craig Helkkett, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Ageu are unavailable.
Marco Silva could be tempted to do the same with the tie almost wrapped up, and new signing Jhon Duran is among the names pushing for his first start for the club.
Having tasted Champions League football last term, it looks like Benfica will have to settle for the Europa League this time around, although it gives them a better chance of lifting silverware.
It will be interesting to see how they approach this campaign having being unbeaten in Liga Portugal last term, but only finishing third.
The Eagles have not got off to the best start, drawing 2-2 at home to newly-promoted Academico Viseu, but have at least impressed in Europe.
Hearts vs. Benfica form guide & betting tips
| Hearts | vs | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
WLLLW |
Form | LWWWD |
| 7 | Goals For | 19 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 6 |
L |
Europa League | LWW |
Whispers predicts: Hearts 1-3 Benfica
Benfica are 5/11 (1.45) favourites to win, but while we side with the bookmakers, we would like to explore some more ambitious bets.
Given Hearts' need to at least put up a fight, BTTS – Yes at 4/6 (1.67) could be worth backing, while Over 3.5 goals at 6/5 (2.20) would also be tempting with how free-scoring Benfica have been this season.
In terms of player markets, Duran will be keen to impress as a new recruit, and should he get a start, Duran to score anytime at 11/10 (2.10) could be worth a punt.
Overall, we are predicting a 3-1 Benfica win, which is available at 10/1 (11.00).
> BTTS – Yes at 4/6 (1.67) | Likelihood: Probable
> Duran to score anytime at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 3.5 goals at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Possible