Academica vs Benfica Betting Tips and Predictions

Academica are in grave danger of slipping out of the Primeira Liga having picked up only 23 points from their 28 points so far this season. A run of one win in their last 11 games has left the hosts with a two-point gap to make up on Boavista, who are just above the relegation zone as the run-in gathers pace. Academica have found this fixture to be extremely tough in the last few years, losing eight straight matches to Benfica, and that sequence is expected to be extended on Saturday.

Benfica were valiant in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, with coach Rui Vitoria describing himself as “proud” of his players despite their defeat. Benfica top the table after following up a home loss to Porto with six straight wins and with six games to go they are a couple of points ahead of Sporting Lisbon at the top of the table. Vitoria may be tempted to rest a few players with the second leg against Bayern looming, but the visitors should still have enough. Striker Jonas, who has hit 32 goals this season, misses the Bayern game through suspension so should start this game.

Benfica have kept six clean sheets in seven games against Academica and they can do so again with a comfortable victory on Saturday. Benfica to win to nil at 21/20 with bet365 stands out as a fantastic bet, while a repeat of the reverse fixture, Benfica to win 3-0 at 7/1 with bet365, appeals as well.