Vitoria SC GuimaraesvsSL Benfica

Current Form and Recent Trends

Vitoria SC Guimaraes is currently navigating a challenging period in the Primeira Liga, having failed to secure a win in their last eight league matches. Their last victory dates back to December 2, 2024, against Gil Vicente. Despite the recent appointment of Luis Freire as their third permanent manager this season, the team's fortunes have not improved significantly. They have drawn their last three home matches, a streak reminiscent of their struggles back in December 2003. However, Vitoria remains one of the top attacking teams in the league, having scored 28 goals this season, a tally surpassed by only four other teams. Their home form, although winless recently, still ranks sixth in the league, with Porto being the only team to have beaten them at home this season.

SL Benfica, on the other hand, is in a strong position, sitting second in the Liga ZON Sagres with 41 points from 18 matches. They have won 13 games, drawn 2, and lost 3. Despite a recent high-scoring loss to Barcelona, Benfica's attacking prowess is undeniable, with players like Evangelos Pavlidis, Angel Di Maria, and Aktrkolu leading the charge. Their offensive firepower has been a key factor in their success, contributing to an average of 2.46 goals per match. Benfica's recent form includes a winning streak of five matches, and they have been particularly strong away from home, winning their last four away fixtures.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Historically, SL Benfica has dominated encounters with Vitoria SC Guimaraes. In the last 59 meetings, Benfica has won 42 times, with Vitoria winning only 7 times. The most common result when these teams meet is a 0-1 victory for Benfica, which has occurred 10 times. Vitoria's last home win against Benfica was in 2012, highlighting the difficulty they face in overcoming this opponent. However, it's worth noting that Vitoria has not lost to Benfica in their last three home encounters, suggesting a potential for resilience.

Key Players and Tactical Insights

Vitoria will be without Bruno Gaspar and Gustavo Silva due to muscle injuries, which could impact their defensive solidity. On the other hand, Benfica's squad boasts prolific scorers like Pavlidis, who has netted 17 goals this season, and Di Maria with 13. Benfica's ability to score late in matches, with 26% of their goals coming between the 76th and 90th minutes, could be crucial in breaking down Vitoria's defense.

Prediction and Betting Insight

Given the current form, historical dominance, and attacking strength of SL Benfica, they are favored to win this encounter. However, Vitoria's ability to score, especially at home, suggests that both teams are likely to find the net. Therefore, the prediction is an away win for SL Benfica, with both teams to score.