Benfica vs Gil Vicente Predictions

• Benfica have covered a -2 handicap in six of their last 10 home league matches
• Gil Vicente have failed to score in two of their three away games this season
• Gil Vicente have lost two of their last three trips to ‘big three’ teams by more than two goals, including a 3-0 defeat at Porto earlier this season

Lage has reached the parts Schmidt couldn’t reach

All seems to be well again at Estadio da Luz, where Benfica will be expected to blow away mid-table Gil Vicente in the Primeira Liga on Saturday evening. The Eagles’ results and performances have improved since the sacking of Roger Schmidt and the appointment of Bruno Lage.

The Portuguese coach has overseen three straight wins with nine goals scored and only two conceded. The Benfica dressing room also appears to be a happier place with influential individuals like Orkan Kokcu and Angel Di Maria performing at a higher level again.

Kokcu scored for a second consecutive game as Benfica beat Boavista 3-0 at the Bessa last weekend and looks a good shout to be on the scoresheet again this week.

Roosters could be given a wake-up call

Gil Vicente’s defence was shown up for what it is when they travelled to the Dragao to face Porto earlier this season and a repeat of that 3-0 score – the same outcome of their visit to the Luz last season – could well be on the cards.

The Roosters have failed to score in two of their three road trips this season and with Benfica having secured shut out wins in six of their lats eight home league matches, a win to nil should be a good wager.

But another way in at greater odds is to take the home side -2 in the handicap market.  The Eagles have covered a -2 handicap in six of their last 10 home league matches while Gil Vicente have lost two of their last three trips to ‘big three’ teams by more than two goals.