Benfica - Toulouse FC predictions and free betting tips [15/02/2024]

On Thursday, 15 February, as part of the first match in the 1/16 finals of the Europa League, "Benfica" will host "Toulouse" on its home ground. Following an unsuccessful performance in the Champions League, the Lisbon team dropped down to a lower-ranked tournament, while the French team conceded the top spot in their quartet to "Liverpool".

Projected lineups

"Benfica": Trubin; Bah, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Aursnes; Joao Neves, Kokcu, Joao Mario; Di Maria, Arthur Cabral, Rafa Silva.
"Toulouse": Restes; Mawissa Elebi, Costa, Nicolaisen, Diarra; Sierro, Spierings, Casseres; Donnum, Dallinga, Babicka.

Stadium

The clash is set to take place in Lisbon, at Estadio da Luz.

"Benfica"

This autumn, "Benfica" came close to failing to advance to the European cups playoffs at all. After quite a failed campaign in the Champions League group stage, the Lisbon team managed to snatch 3rd place and a ticket to the 1/16 finals of the Europa League at the last moment. The catalyst for such a success was the victory in Salzburg (1:3), thanks to which the "eagles" finished with only 4 points scored and trailing the leaders "Inter" and "Real Sociedad" by 8 points.

At the same time, the hosts are contending for the title in Portugal's domestic championship: they currently top the league table with the same number of points as "Sporting" (although they have played one more round). Last weekend, "Benfica" unexpectedly drew 2:2 with "Vitoria" thanks to Arthur Cabral's goal and broke a run of 7 straight wins in the championship. It's worth noting that the red-whites' attack is all good: they've scored an impressive 35 goals in their last 13 matches in all competitions. 

"Toulouse"

"Toulouse" has already achieved its main goal of the European cup campaign - getting out of the Europa League group stage. The French club could hardly hope for anything better than 2nd place in its quartet after "Liverpool". And yet the Merseysiders lost to "Toulouse" on home ground with a 3:2 score in the fourth round match. With two more victories over "LASK" (1:0 and 1:2), the guests secured a ticket to the 1/16 finals. However, in the domestic championship, things are not going well for the Lilacs and they will have a serious fight to ensure their place in the elite.

They currently occupy only the 14th place in the overall League 1 ranking and are just one point away from the relegation zone. After their victory over "Reims" (2:3), "Toulouse" were beaten at home by a direct competitor in the survival battle - "Nantes" (1:2) last weekend. It's worth noting that the team has won three times in their last four away matches. 

Head to head encounters

These teams have never met each other in official matches.

"Benfica" vs "Toulouse" match prediction

"Toulouse" is the underdog in this confrontation not only due to a weaker squad, but also due to the team's current results. The visitors are hovering near the Ligue 1 relegation zone and are alternating successes with painful defeats. "Benfica" is practically unbeatable at home, and their considerable European cup experience will help the "eagles" achieve a convincing victory at Estadio da Luz. I'm betting on the favourite with a -1 handicap.

Total prediction

"Benfica" boasts the strongest attack line in Portugal led by Di Maria, and at home, on average, they score more than two goals per game. We confidently bet on the "eagles'" individual total of more than 2 goals.

Corner forecast

"Benfica" outclasses its opponent and will control the initiative throughout the entire match. I'm betting on a Lisbon win in corners with a -2.5 handicap.

Prediction for yellow cards

It's important for "Toulouse" not to lose heavily in the first match to have chances of success at home later on. It's reasonable to bet on the "violets" winning in yellow cards.

Score prediction

I'm betting on an exact score of 3:0 in favour of "Benfica".