Benfica travel to Moreirense this weekend, aiming to return to winning ways in the Primeira Liga after last round’s draw against city rivals Sporting Lisbon.
The Reds sit third in the standings, eight points behind leaders Porto and two adrift of second place, and will look to build on their European performance in midweek.
Meanwhile, the hosts have slipped in recent weeks, dropping to seventh in the 18-team table, four points off the top four.
Our Moreirense vs Benfica prediction gives clear insight, while the rest of our Primeira Liga tips are also available for review.
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Moreirense vs Benfica prediction: Visitors aim to draw on European momentum
Key stats:
- Moreirense have conceded at least twice in six of their last eight league outings.
- Benfica have won eleven of their fourteen away league games against the White and Greens (D3).
- The Reds are on a four-game winning streak on the road across all competitions, scoring at least twice in each.
- Benfica have triumphed in five of their six league away matches this season (D1).
Correct score prediction: Moreirense 1-2 Benfica
A strong side earlier in the campaign, Moreirense won five of their opening seven Primeira Liga fixtures (L2), but they have struggled lately, taking just one win in their last six matches (D2, L3).
A 3-3 draw at Estoril Praia last weekend leaves Vasco Botelho da Costa’s team winless in their last three outings (D2, L1). The decline is also reflected in their home form, with Moreirense failing to win their last two games on their turf after securing victories in the first four.
Meanwhile, Benfica enter this encounter in high spirits after their 2-0 success over Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday.
That said, the Reds have been impressive on the road and should secure victory on Sunday, although it is unlikely to be straightforward, as the hosts arrive with fresher legs from last weekend.
Moreirense have scored in all their home fixtures this season and are expected to find the net again.
Pre-match analysis: Odds too tight for the visitors?
- HOME: 15/2 (8.50) – 11.8%
- DRAW: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
- AWAY: 7/20 (1.35) – 74.1%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change*
Benfica are heavy favourites as reflected in the odds, with a 74.1% win probability, meaning any result other than victory would be considered an upset.
However, the margin may be slightly overstated, as they face hosts who have lost only once in their last six home games, making an 11.8% chance of victory seem low for a side that has won four in that run.
Our hot tip – away win or draw with both teams to score – offers excellent value at 2.38 odds.
Most recent H2H: Will the Reds reignite dominance in Conengos?
The most recent clash ended in a 3-2 victory for Benfica at the Estadio da Luz last season, though the visitors did not win either of their last two away games against Moreirense.
That said, the Reds have been dominant overall, winning 11 of their 14 league visits and remaining unbeaten.
Portugal Primeira Liga 08/02/25
Benfica
Moreirense
Portugal Primeira Liga 30/08/24
Moreirense
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 14/04/24
Benfica
Moreirense
Portugal Primeira Liga 03/12/23
Moreirense
Benfica
Portugal League Cup 17/12/22
Moreirense
Benfica
Moreirense preview: Key midfielder suspended
The hosts will be without midfielder Alanzinho, who will serve a suspension after receiving his fifth booking of the campaign last time out.
Lawrence Ofori and Yan Maranhao remain sidelined due to injuries, while Joel Jorquera is doubtful after missing the last two games.
Predicted XI: Ferreira (GK), Pinto, Maracas, Michel, Kiko, V Sousa, Stjepanovic, Benny, Travassos, Schettine & Araujo
Moreirense’s last five results:
- 07/12/25: Estoril 3-3 Moreirense (D)
- 29/11/25: Moreirense 2-2 Famalicao (D)
- 09/11/25: Braga 2-1 Moreirense (L)
- 02/11/25: Arouca 0-2 Moreirense (W)
- 27/10/25: Moreirense 1-2 FC Porto (L)
Benfica preview: Winger’s absence not a concern?
Benfica will miss Gianluca Prestianni through suspension, following a red card in the last outing, though Jose Mourinho is unlikely to worry as he is not a regular starter.
Other absentees include Bruma (Achilles tendon), Alexander Bah (cruciate ligament tear), Dodi Lukebakio (ankle), and Henrique Araujo (muscle), all progressing in their recoveries.
Predicted XI: Trubin (GK), Dahl, Otamendi, A Silva, Dedic, Rios, Barrenechea, Aursnes, Barreiro, Sudakov & Pavlidis
Benfica’s last five results:
- 10/12/25: Benfica 2-0 Napoli (W)
- 05/12/25: Benfica 1-1 Sporting CP (D)
- 29/11/25: Nacional 1-2 Benfica (W)
- 25/11/25: Ajax 0-2 Benfica (W)
- 21/11/25: Atletico CP 0-2 Benfica (W)
Player to watch: Vangelis Pavlidis
Vangelis Pavlidis leads the Primeira Liga scoring chart with 10 goals to his name and will be a constant threat to the Moreirense defence.
The Greek striker scored a brace in his last meeting against the Green and Whites and will be eager to continue his fine record against them.