Benfica vs Estrela da Amadora Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 25 January

Benfica vs Estrela da Amadora Prediction, Match Preview: This Sunday, 25 January, the Estádio da Luz will host an intriguing clash in Liga Portugal as Benfica take on Estrela da Amadora. Benfica, a dominant force in Portuguese football, will be looking to maintain their strong home form. Meanwhile, Estrela da Amadora, aiming to make their mark in the league, face a challenging task against a formidable opponent.

The significance of this match lies in Benfica’s pursuit of the top spot in Liga Portugal, making every point crucial in their title race. Estrela da Amadora, on the other hand, will be eager to upset the odds and secure valuable points away from home. With both teams having different objectives, this encounter promises a compelling narrative as they battle it out on the pitch.

Benfica vs Estrela da Amadora Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Benfica to Win and Over 2.5 Goals	1.7

Given Benfica’s dominant home record and their history of high-scoring wins against Estrela da Amadora, our recommended betting tip is to back Benfica to win with over 2.5 goals. This is based on their recent form and consistent ability to score multiple goals, especially at home.

• Benfica have won all previous eight encounters against Estrela da Amadora, often by large margins.
• Estrela da Amadora have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.7 goals per match this season.
• Benfica’s attacking prowess and home advantage make a high-scoring win very likely.

Betting Odds

Benfica are the clear favourites in this Liga Portugal clash, with the betting odds heavily in their favour at 1.12. Estrela da Amadora, on the other hand, are the underdogs with odds of 19.07, reflecting the challenge they face at Estádio da Luz. A draw is priced at 7.96, which might tempt those looking for a long shot.

Betting Tip	Odds
Benfica to win	1.12
Draw	7.96
Estrela da Amadora to win	19.07

For those looking to bet, the odds suggest a dominant performance from Benfica, but the potential for a surprise result could offer lucrative returns. Keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as Benfica’s attacking prowess could lead to a high-scoring affair.

Benfica Analysis & Past Performance

Benfica’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of two wins and three losses in their last five matches across all competitions. Notable performances include a 2-0 victory over Rio Ave, but they recently succumbed to a 0-2 defeat against Juventus in the Champions League. This mixed form is reflected in their goal statistics, with six goals scored and seven conceded in these games.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Juventus	Benfica	2 – 0 (Loss)	Champions League	21 Jan 2026
Rio Ave	Benfica	0 – 2 (Win)	Primeira Liga	17 Jan 2026
FC Porto	Benfica	1 – 0 (Loss)	Portuguese Cup	14 Jan 2026
Benfica	Braga	1 – 3 (Loss)	League Cup	7 Jan 2026
Benfica	Estoril	3 – 1 (Win)	Primeira Liga	3 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LWLLW

Benfica have averaged 1.20 goals per match in their last five fixtures, while conceding 1.40 on average. This performance includes only one clean sheet, highlighting a vulnerability in their defence. However, their attack remains potent, driven by top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis, who has netted 17 times this season. At home, Benfica have been more resilient, with a win ratio of 60% in their last five home games, suggesting a stronger showing at Estádio da Luz.

Benfica Suspensions & Injuries

Benfica face several injury challenges as they prepare for their upcoming match against Estrela da Amadora. Notably, Alexander Bah is doubtful due to a cruciate ligament injury. His absence could disrupt defensive stability and require tactical adjustments from José Mourinho. Additionally, Nuno Félix and Samuel Soares are also doubtful, which might limit midfield options and depth. Dodi Lukebakio, with a broken ankle, is out until late March, further impacting Benfica’s attacking prowess.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Alexander Bah	Cruciate ligament injury	Doubtful
Nuno Félix	Strain injury	Doubtful
Dodi Lukebakio	Broken ankle	Late March 2026
Samuel Soares	Muscle injury	Doubtful
João Veloso	Shoulder injury	Early February 2026
Richard Rios	Dislocated shoulder	Mid May 2026
Joshua Wynder	Unknown	Doubtful

With João Veloso expected to return in early February, his current absence leaves a gap in the squad’s creativity and midfield balance. Richard Rios and Joshua Wynder, although not pivotal to the starting line-up, add to the list of unavailable players, potentially affecting squad rotation and depth. These injuries necessitate Mourinho’s strategic flexibility and might lead to a reliance on younger talents or a change in formation to cover the gaps.

The injuries could influence betting markets, as Benfica’s tactical adjustments may affect their overall performance. The unavailability of key players might lead to a more conservative approach, impacting both their attacking fluidity and defensive resilience. Bettors should consider these factors when assessing Benfica’s chances and potential outcomes in this fixture.

Benfica Key Players

Vangelis Pavlidis is undeniably Benfica’s top scorer this season, having netted 17 goals. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. Pavlidis’ sharp movement and intelligent positioning are key to breaking down opposition defences, making him an indispensable asset in Benfica’s attacking setup.

In midfield, Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro are pivotal. Aursnes is known for his passing accuracy and ability to control the tempo, while Barreiro’s agility and vision often open up opportunities for the forwards. Georgiy Sudakov adds creativity, linking the midfield and attack seamlessly. Defensively, Nicolás Otamendi’s experience and leadership are critical in organising the backline, ensuring solidity against Estrela da Amadora’s forwards.

Expected line-up for Benfica

• Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
• Defenders: Amar Dedić, Tomás Araújo, Nicolás Otamendi, Samuel Dahl
• Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Leandro Barreiro, Georgiy Sudakov
• Forwards: Gianluca Prestianni, Andreas Schjelderup, Vangelis Pavlidis

These key players not only enhance Benfica’s tactical flexibility but also bring strengths that could decisively influence the match. Pavlidis’ goal-scoring prowess, coupled with Aursnes and Barreiro’s midfield mastery, provides a balanced approach, while Otamendi’s defensive acumen solidifies their strategy. Together, they form the backbone of a well-rounded team ready to tackle the challenges posed by Estrela da Amadora.

Benfica Tactics and Formation

Benfica Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis
• Midfield Pivot: Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions in attack.

Benfica typically employ a 4-2-3-1 formation under José Mourinho, which allows them to maintain a balance between defence and attack. The midfield pairing of Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro provides defensive cover while facilitating quick transitions to attack. Andreas Schjelderup often plays a crucial role in connecting the midfield with the forward line.

In defence, the experience of Nicolás Otamendi is pivotal in organising the backline, with Amar Dedić and Samuel Dahl providing width and support from the full-back positions. This setup has contributed to three clean sheets in their last five matches, underlining their defensive resilience.

Offensively, Vangelis Pavlidis remains the focal point, supported by the creative talents of Gianluca Prestianni and Georgiy Sudakov on the flanks. Benfica’s strategy often involves high pressing and exploiting spaces behind the opponent’s defence, which has been effective in their recent performances.

Estrela da Amadora Analysis & Past Performance

Estrela da Amadora’s recent form has been inconsistent, as reflected in their last five matches, where they managed one win, two draws, and two losses. Their most recent heavy defeat to Estoril, a 0-5 loss at home, highlights significant defensive vulnerabilities, with an average of 2.60 goals conceded per game in their last five outings.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Estrela da Amadora	Estoril	0 – 5 (Loss)	Primeira Liga	19 Jan 2026
Estrela da Amadora	Braga	3 – 3 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	3 Jan 2026
Famalicão	Estrela da Amadora	2 – 3 (Win)	Primeira Liga	27 Dec 2025
Estrela da Amadora	Moreirense	0 – 0 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	20 Dec 2025
FC Porto	Estrela da Amadora	3 – 1 (Loss)	Primeira Liga	15 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LDWDL

Offensively, Estrela da Amadora have been sporadic, averaging 1.40 goals per game in their recent fixtures. Striker Kikas, with six goals this season, remains pivotal to their attacking efforts. However, defensive solidity is lacking, with only one clean sheet in their last five matches and 13 goals conceded in this period. Away from home, they have fared slightly better, securing two wins in their last five away games, but their win ratio remains at 0.40. Overall, their position at 12th in the league and a total of 19 points underscore a season of challenges, particularly in stabilising their defensive performances.

Estrela da Amadora Suspensions & Injuries

Estrela da Amadora face a challenging situation with some key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Abraham Marcus, who is serving a one-match suspension following a red card, will be a significant blow to their attacking options. Marcus’s suspension not only affects the team’s depth but also forces coach João Nuno to reconsider his tactical approach, possibly leaning on alternative attacking players like Ianis Stoica or Jorge Meireles to fill the void.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Abraham Marcus	Red card	1	Unknown

In addition to suspensions, injuries further complicate Estrela da Amadora’s line-up. Both Nilton and Ni are doubtful due to a foot injury and an unspecified issue, respectively. These injuries could narrow the options in midfield and defence, compelling the team to rely on less experienced players. The uncertainty about their availability means that tactical adjustments might be necessary, potentially impacting their ability to maintain cohesion and defensive solidity against a formidable opponent like Benfica.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Nilton	Foot injury	Doubtful
Ni	Unknown	Doubtful

The combination of these absences could influence betting markets, as Estrela da Amadora’s chances against Benfica might be perceived as lower. With a thinner squad and the need for tactical reshuffling, the team will need to dig deep to compete effectively. These challenges highlight the importance of squad depth and adaptability in overcoming the hurdles posed by injuries and suspensions.

Estrela da Amadora Key Players

Kikas stands out as Estrela da Amadora’s top scorer with six goals, making him a pivotal figure in their offensive strategy. His ability to find the back of the net consistently offers a reliable threat up front, and his movement in the box can unsettle any defence. Kikas’ partnership with the likes of Jovane Cabral and Jorge Meireles in the forward line is crucial, as they provide the necessary support and creativity to sustain attacking momentum.

In midfield, Alex Sola and Ianis Stoica are key players who can dictate the tempo of the game. Sola’s vision and passing range make him an essential playmaker, capable of unlocking defences with precise through balls. Stoica’s versatility allows him to transition quickly between attack and defence, offering tactical flexibility. Defensively, Luan Patrick and Bernardo Schappo form a solid partnership at the back, with Patrick’s aerial dominance and Schappo’s tackling prowess being vital in thwarting opposition attacks.

Expected line-up for Estrela da Amadora

• Goalkeeper: Renan Ribeiro
• Defence: Jefferson Encada, Luan Patrick, Bernardo Schappo, Otávio Manoel Galdino Fernandes
• Midfield: Paulo Moreira, Alex Sola, Ianis Stoica
• Forward: Jovane Cabral, Jorge Meireles, Leandro Antonetti

Estrela da Amadora Tactics and Formation

Estrela da Amadora Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Kikas
• Midfield Pivot: Paulo Moreira and Alex Sola
• Defensive Strength: Struggled recently, conceding an average of 2.60 goals per game
• Notable Strategy: Focus on counterattacks and utilising Kikas’ finishing ability.

Estrela da Amadora’s likely 4-2-3-1 formation aims to provide a balance between defence and attack. Paulo Moreira and Alex Sola are expected to anchor the midfield, offering both defensive coverage and transition play. This setup allows Ianis Stoica to operate as an advanced playmaker, linking up with forward Kikas, who has been a consistent performer with six goals this season.

Defensively, Estrela da Amadora have faced challenges, conceding an average of 2.60 goals per game in their last five matches. The backline, featuring Jefferson Encada and Luan Patrick, needs to improve coordination to achieve more clean sheets and reduce defensive vulnerabilities.

Offensively, the team rely on their ability to counterattack, leveraging the pace and creativity of players like Abraham Marcus and Jorge Meireles. This approach is particularly crucial against stronger teams like Benfica, where opportunities might be limited and efficiency in front of goal is essential for securing a positive result.

Benfica vs Estrela da Amadora Head-to-Head Record

Benfica have dominated the head-to-head record against Estrela da Amadora, winning all eight encounters. The most recent clash saw Benfica secure a 1-0 victory away at Estrela da Amadora in Liga Portugal. This consistent winning streak highlights Benfica’s superiority in this fixture.

The last time these two met at the Estádio da Luz, Benfica triumphed with a narrow 1-0 win in Liga Portugal. Historically, Benfica have been formidable at home, often keeping clean sheets against Estrela da Amadora.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Estrela da Amadora	Benfica	0 – 1	Primeira Liga	2025-08-16
Estrela da Amadora	Benfica	2 – 3	Primeira Liga	2025-02-02
Benfica	Estrela da Amadora	7 – 0	Portuguese Cup	2024-11-23
Benfica	Estrela da Amadora	1 – 0	Primeira Liga	2024-08-24
Estrela da Amadora	Benfica	1 – 4	Primeira Liga	2024-01-29