Benfica vs Gil Vicente Predictions

• Benfica have taken four points from their two matches since the return of Jose Mourinho as head coach
• The Eagles have won each of their last six meetings with Gil Vicente
• Gil Vicente are on a three-match winning streak, triumphing at Braga in their last away fixture

Mourinho up to his old tricks

Jose Mourinho’s return to Benfica has garnered plenty of headlines and the ‘Special One’ has picked up four points from his two matches back in the dugout, following up a 3-0 win at AVS with Tuesday’s 1-1 home draw against Rio Ave.

That midweek share against a team still yet to win this season was a disappointing result, especially as Benfica conceded an equaliser in second-half stoppage time, and Mourinho was up to his old tricks after the final whistle, accusing referee Sergio Guelho of having “no personality”.

Mourinho will expect a response from his side on Friday and he should get it, although it is unlikely to be easy against a Gil Vicente side that will head to the Estadio da Luz on a three-game winning streak.

Improved Gil Vicente can make it competitive

After winning just one of their opening three fixtures of the season, Gil Vicente have secured a maximum return from their last three, including claiming an eye-catching 1-0 success at Braga in their most recent away trip.

That winning run is likely to end on Friday, with Gil Vicente having lost six on the bounce against Benfica, but they can score in the capital, just as they did in last season’s corresponding fixture, albeit that ended in a resounding 5-1 defeat.

Benfica have conceded in four of their last five games, adding further credence to Gil Vicente getting on the scoresheet, but after netting three in Mourinho’s opening match against AVS, the Eagles can repeat the trick and claim a 3-1 victory.