Casa Pia vs Benfica Predictions

• Benfica have won three of their last five trips to Casa Pia, all 1-0
• Fewer than three goals have been scored in Casa Pia’s last seven home league games
• Benfica have won five of their last seven away league matches, scoring no more than two goals on six occasions

Silva cannot afford another slip-up

Benfica have not won any of their last three games against Casa Pia, but Marco Silva’s side should return with three points from Sunday’s Lisbon derby at  Estádio Pina Manique.

The Eagles boss was able to make a handful of changes for his side’s midweek dead rubber in Edinburgh after thrashing Hearts 6-1 in the first leg. He should be able to freshen up his ranks again for this short journey to a club that made a poor start to the campaign, losing 1-0 away to Maritimo.

Benfica are already playing catch-up to their title rivals after dropping points in a 2-2 draw with Academico Viseu last weekend, so Silva will no doubt be desperate to play his best available XI on Sunday.

Disciplinary crackdown could tame wild Geese

The Geese caused Benfica issues with their physicality last season, earning home and away draws against the Eagles, but a disciplinary crackdown in Portugal this term is already having an effect on card counts and foul numbers.

It remains to be seen if that continues, but while it lasts, it should favour a side like Benfica, who are more silk than steel. Back the visitors to claim a 1-0 win on the road, with Benfica to win and under 2.5 goals the standout bet.