Preview: Benfica vs. Boavista - prediction, team news, lineups

However, they face opponents in Boavista who currently occupy sixth spot after losing just one of their opening five fixtures.

Match preview

Having witnessed Sporting Lisbon cruise to the league title last season, Jorge Jesus was aware that Benfica required a fast start to the new campaign.

The champions are still lurking as challengers for a second year running, but maximum points for the Eagles suggests that they will be difficult to overcome this time around.

While Jesus's side are still to face any of last season's top five, there was a ruthlessness about the way that they dismantled Santa Clara by a 5-0 scoreline last week.

Remarkably, none of this squad have scored more than two goals in the league thus far, but that could soon change with Darwin Nunez now approaching full fitness.

On a more disappointing note, Benfica could only earn a goalless draw at Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Boavista are another team who have plenty to prove after only avoid relegation by two points during the 2020-21 campaign.

However, under Joao Pedro Sousa, the Chequered Ones are well on their way to an improved year after collecting eight points from their opening five games.

Despite back-to-back 1-1 draws being recorded against Vizela and Portimonense respectively, Sousa will be delighted that just two goals have been conceded in their last four outings.

That record will be put to the test over the next four games with meetings against Pacos de Ferreira, Estoril Praia and Braga following their visit to Estadio da Luz.

Benfica Primeira Liga form:

Benfica form (all competitions):

Boavista Primeira Liga form:

Boavista form (all competitions):

Team News

With a six-day break since their last fixture, Jesus may opt to make minimal changes to his Benfica XI.

Nunez should feature from the start, potentially taking the place of Everton, while Valentino Lazaro is an option at wing-back.

Pizzi could be brought into the team as a replacement for Rafa Silva, who sustained an injury during the closing stages in Kiev.

Boavista cannot call upon Ilija Vukotic with the midfielder unable to face his parent club.

Yusupha Om Njie is an option in the final third, the winger potentially coming in for Kenji Gorre.

Benfica possible starting lineup:

Vlachodimos; Otamendi, Vertonghen, Morato; Lazaro, Joao Mario, Weigl, Grimaldo; Pizzi, Seferovic, Nunez

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Bracali; Nathan, Porozo, Abascal; Malheiro, Makouta, Perez, Hamache; Njie, Musa, Sauer

We say: Benfica 3-1 Boavista

Given their respectable defensive record, we expect Boavista to put up some resistance at Estadio da Luz. However, Benfica have hit the ground running this season, leading us to predict a relatively comfortable win for the home side.