Benfica vs Nacional Predictions

Benfica could go top of the table with a win, but would be relying on Porto losing in order for it to happen. Benfica play host to Nacional on Sunday and the head to head record and recent results of both sides suggests a comfortable victory for the Portuguese giants. Nacional sit two points and two places above the drop zone meaning defeat on Sunday could see them slip into the bottom three.

Benfica followed up their impressive 4-2 win in the Primeira Liga over local rivals Sporting CP by defeating the very same opposition in the 1st leg of their Taca de Portugal Semi-Final on Wednesday. Gabriel handed the hosts the lead in the sixteenth minute after good work from Pizzi who claimed the assist, and that goal proved enough to separate the two clubs at the interval. An own goal from Sporting centre back Tiago Ilori doubled Benfica’s lead in the sixty-fourth minute, but a late strike from the visitors star man Bruno Fernandes kept the tie very much alive.

Nacional ended their four game losing streak by drawing 0-0 at home with Vitoria Setubal on Sunday. The hosts had 57% of the overall possession and ten shots to their guests five, but it was Setubal that came closest to breaking the deadlock. In first half stoppage time, just when the teams looked to be going in level at the break, Vitoria Setubal were awarded a penalty only for Zequinha to fluff his lines from twelve yards out. Nacional will be disappointed not to have won the game, but surviving a penalty, keeping a clean sheet, and ending their losing streak are all major positives for the hosts to take from the match.

The history between these two clubs and the results of both sides over the last six matches all point to a big win for Benfica on Sunday. The hosts have won all of their last twelve matches against Nacional, and five of the last seven encounters have produced over 3.5 goals. Benfica have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, and three of their last four games have produced over 3.5 goals; while Nacional have lost four of their last five matches, and have failed to score in three of their last four. With all of that in mind we believe that Benfica will win and over 3.5 goals will be scored in the game, with a high chance of a clean sheet for the hosts.

Seferović top scores in the league for Benfica with eleven goals, while teammate Pizzi has seven, and both Jonas and Félix have chipped in with six goals apiece. Nacional striker Rochez has had a good season in front of goal with eight in the Primeira Liga so far, but the Honduran has three in his last ten appearances for the relegation battlers.

We’re confident that Benfica will win and that over 3.5 goals will be scored in Sunday’s match, with the hosts running out comfortable 4-0 winners. Benfica are in great form and have an excellent record against Nacional which has seen the hosts win the last twelve meetings between the pair. Nacional have been struggling for goals of late and defending certainly hasn’t been their strong point this season.