Thursday sees the opening leg of Toulouse’s Europa League playoff match against the defending Portuguese champions Benfica in Lisbon.
After a disastrous start to their Champions League campaign, Benfica had a remarkable comeback towards the end of the section to secure a position in the Europa League. Meanwhile, the visitors frequently put their dismal domestic record aside to advance to second place in their group, just behind Liverpool.
| Top 3 markets | Best odds at bookmakers |
| Benfica to win: ⚽ | 1.38 at Bet9ja |
| Over 2.5 goals: 🥅 | 1.71 at 1xbet |
| Arthur Cabral to score anytime: ✅ | 3.0 at Sportybet |
Benfica and Toulouse: Previous Games
In their 18 matches since returning from the November international break, Benfica conceded only one goal in all competitions. Similarly, the Eagles enjoy a 6–1 record in meetings played at Estadio da Luz.
Arthur Cabral, Brazil’s national team player, has scored in his last four consecutive games.
Across all forms, Toulouse has lost three of their last four home matches. The Violets’ record away from the Stadium de Toulouse is dismal, with just two clean sheets in their past fourteen matches.
Probable Benfica Lineup
Trubin; Bah, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Aursnes; Joao Neves, Kokcu, Joao Mario; Di Maria, Arthur Cabral, Rafa Silva
Probable Toulouse Lineup
Restes; Mawissa Elebi, Costa, Nicolaisen, Diarra; Sierro, Spierings, Casseres; Donnum, Dallinga, Babicka
Betting tips: Benfica x Toulouse
Check out our predictions of the day for Benfica vs. Toulouse
Prediction 1: Benfica x Toulouse / Benfica to win
Benfica have been dominant since December and should cruise over a struggling Toulouse team thanks to their offensive prowess, despite a little slip-up over the weekend and their recent shocking cup defeat to Estoril.
Toulouse is again in danger of relegation after suffering a dismal home loss over the weekend. Despite having a more robust season on the continent, the French club will have a very tough task in this match.
Prediction 2: Benfica x Toulouse / Over 2.5 goals
Although Carles Martínez Novell’s team has only managed to score 20 goals in 21 Ligue 1 matches so far this season, they have shown greater offensive danger in the cup competitions. Their three away group stage matches were all recorded, including a 5-1 loss at Anfield, so they should be able to compete at the Luz.
Benfica have preserved a clean sheet in three of their past six home games, but it doesn’t guarantee they’ll score on Thursday. However, it should raise the odds of a game with at least three goals.
You can put your faith in the Eagles to take the lead in the first leg of a match that promises more than just a few exciting moments, considering they’ve scored three goals or more in six of their last nine home games.
Prediction 3: Benfica x Toulouse / Arthur Cabral to score anytime
Although Benfica ultimately failed in their December attempt to secure a spot in the Champions League knockout round, the legendary Portuguese club is now enjoying a prolonged frenzy. With just one loss in all competitions since returning from the international break in November, Thursday’s hosts should be sniffing blood in this match. Benfica’s free-scoring offense will aim to make a statement in the first leg at home, while Toulouse is currently embroiled in a Ligue 1 relegation battle.