SC Braga vs SL Benfica Prediction and Betting Tip- Odds, H2H and Preview Predictions

SC Braga vs SL Benfica Preview

Benfica travel toward the northern border as they look to win big against Braga on the final day of the Portuguese Primeira Liga season.

Braga have locked in a spot in the Europa League qualifiers for next season, so they do not really have all too much to play for. They have had a respectable campaign once more behind the big three in Portugal. They will look to end the season on a high note but Benfica will be looking to give them a game to forget.

Their 1-1 draw with leaders Sporting last weekend means Benfica will need to outscore Sporting’s game by three goals to stand a chance of winning another title. Benfica have had an excellent end to the campaign but would have loved to all but secure at home last weekend against their biggest rivals.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

How to Watch SC Braga vs SL Benfica

Braga host Benfica in the Estadio Municipal de Braga on the final day of the 24/25 campaign with the title race coming down to the wire.

TV Channel

You will be able to watch this match on Saturday evening on Thriller TV+.

• Date: Saturday 17, May
• Kick-off: 18:00 BST
• Channel: Thriller TV+

Key Statistics

• Benfica have the joint best defensive record this season, conceding just 27 goals

• Both sides sit on the top of the charts for clean sheets, collecting 15 apiece

• Although Sporting’s Victor Gyokeres is in a league of his own, Vangelis Pavlidis has had a very respectable campaign in front of goal for Benfica, second best with 18 goals

• Benfica have created a league best 138 big chances this season. They will definitely need to improve on their 43.5% conversion rate however

Braga Preview, Form and Standout Players

Braga Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Hornicek; Chissumba, Niakate, Oliveira, Gomez; Racic, Moutinho; Zalazar, Horta, Fernandes; Navarro.

Carlos Carvalhal is expected to have a full-strength squad for him for this last match of the campaign, so he will most likely make it as tough as possible for Benfica to score three goals.

Braga have looked shaky to end the season. Two victories, 4-1 over AVS and 2-0 against Estoril were followed by two 1-1 versus Famalicao and Santa Clara before last week’s 2-1 defeat to Casa Pia.

Ricardo Horta is perhaps Braga’s most dangerous player, being on top of both goals and assists charts this season. He also tops Braga’s creativity charts- creating the most big chances, averaging most key passes, even scoring the only free-kick he has taken this season.

Benfica Preview, Form and Standout Players

Benfica Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Trubin; Dahl, Otamendi, Silva, Araujo, Kokcu, Luis, Aursnes; Akturkoglu, Pavlidis, Di Maria.

Bruno Lage is also expected to have a full-strength squad at his disposal, so he will have all key players starting in the hopes to just score as many goals as possible

As mentioned previously, Benfica have enjoyed an excellent end to the season. Before their 1-1 draw with Sporting, they won the previous four in a row. Big league wins over Vitoria and AVS were followed by a close win away to Estoril. In the middle of this was a 4-0 semi final victory in the Tara de Portugal to book their place in the final to play, guess who? Sporting Lisbon.

As top scorer, Pavlidis will be vital to be in top form in front of goal, while wingers Akturkoglu and Di Maria could provide threats from the flanks. Many goals are needed for Benfica, can they do it?

Head-to-head Comparison

Benfica have the advantage in head-to-head, winning four of the recent five meetings. Three of which, Benfica scored three goals in, so replicating it may be possible, they just need to ensure they keep strong at the back throughout.

Recent Meetings:

• Taca de Portugal- Benfica 1-0 Braga, February 26, 2025

• League Cup- Benfica 3-0 Braga, January 8, 2025

• Benfica 1-2 Braga, January 4, 2025

• Benfica 3-1 Braga, April 27, 2024

• Benfica 3-2 Braga, January 10, 2024

Betting Tip for Braga vs Benfica

This is obviously not just a must-win for Benfica, but they must win by a large margin. It may not be enough, however, as Braga are quality side and will make it difficult for them. Since it is a must-win, we see Benfica stepping up to the task at hand and running it close.

Therefore, we have gone for Benfica to Win as the best tip for this match.

Final Prediction

Braga 1-4 Benfica