Benfica welcome Gil Vicente to the Estádio da Luz looking to extend an impressive winning run and strengthen their position near the top of the Liga Portugal table. Marco Silva’s side sit second with 13 points from five matches (four wins, one draw), having scored a remarkable 18 goals while conceding just three. They come into this game on the back of six consecutive victories across all competitions, including a 4-0 thrashing of Moreirense midweek.

Gil Vicente occupy seventh place with seven points from four games. Their solid start was halted by a surprise 1-0 home defeat to newly promoted Académico de Viseu last weekend. The visitors have been hard to break down at times (only one goal conceded in the league before that loss) but have struggled for attacking output, scoring just three goals so far.

Form & Head-to-Head

• Benfica: WWWWD in the league. Best attack in the division and high-scoring form (Pavlidis leading the way).
• Gil Vicente: WWL D (recent form mixed after the setback against Académico).

Benfica have dominated this fixture, winning their last eight meetings against Gil Vicente and nine of the last 11 at the Luz. The visitors have not beaten the Eagles since 2022.

Team News

Benfica
Alexander Bah remains sidelined with a shoulder injury (Daniel Banjaqui expected to continue at right-back). The rest of the squad is largely available.

Possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Soares; Banjaqui, Tomás Araújo, Lenglet, Dahl; Palhinha, Barreiro; Rafa Silva, Prestianni, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.

Gil Vicente
Confirmed absences include Weverson, Arthur Tchaptchet and Walace França (injuries). Mohamed Bamba is a doubt. Diogo Prioste (on loan from Benfica) is ineligible.

Possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lucão; Esgaio, Buatu, Elimbi, Moreira; Zé Carlos, Martins/Prioste; Souza, Hernández, Fernandes.

Key Battles & Outlook

Benfica’s high-intensity style and clinical finishing (especially through Pavlidis and the creative midfield) should overwhelm Gil Vicente’s compact setup. The hosts are expected to dominate possession and create numerous chances at home. Gil Vicente will look to frustrate and hit on the counter, but their recent defensive lapses and limited firepower make that a tough task against this Benfica side.

Prediction

Benfica 2-0 Gil Vicente

The Eagles’ attacking momentum and home dominance make a comfortable victory the most likely outcome, potentially with a clean sheet as Gil Vicente struggle to create clear chances.