Benfica vs Toulouse Prediction & Betting Tips (15 February)

Benfica almost didn't see a European Cup in the spring. After a fairly catastrophic campaign in C1, the Lisbonites managed to grab, at the last minute, a 3rd place synonymous with qualification for the C3 play-offs. It is this victory in Salzburg 1-3 which allows them this, they who only finished 4 points, 8 units behind the leading duo Inter-Real Sociedad. But unlike their opponent today, things are going well in the championship. Indeed, the Portuguese are in the fight for the title. They are now at the top of the standings with 1 game less and the same number of points as Sporting. Held in check at Guimaraes last weekend 2-2, Benfica put an end to a great series of 7 victories in a row in Liga Nos. Toulouse has already achieved its European objective, that of getting out of the C3 groups.

The club from the pink city could not hope for better than this 2nd place behind a European leader, Liverpool. And yet, the Mersey club lost on the Stadium pitch in a match that will be remembered 3-2. With two other victories against Linz 1-0 and 1-2, Toulouse have won their ticket to the Europa League play-offs. But on the national scene, it is far from satisfactory and the Violets will have to fight to maintain their position. They are currently 14th in Ligue 1 and are 1 point ahead of the red zone. After winning in Reims 2-3, the TFC immediately fell back into its mistakes last weekend by being surprised, at home, by a direct competitor for maintaining Nantes 1-2.

Benfica remains deprived of the left side passed by PSG Juan Bernat, still on the flank. This is the only package for the Lisbon residents this Thursday. The offensive sector is well armed with Joao Mario (17 goals last year in the league, less in sight this season) or Rafa Silva (6 goals, 4 assists TCC) and Di Maria (6 goals, 2 assists TCC). The pair of young defensive midfielders Kokcu-Neves is wreaking havoc. To occupy the forefront of the attack, the Brazilians Cabral (4 goals in the last 4 matches) and Marcos Leonardo (20 years old, arrived from Santos, 3 goals in 5 championship matches) are in the balance. The Toulouse residents will now be able to count on Spierings in the European Cup, he who had returned on loan from Lens too late to be able to be registered and play in the group stage.

In addition to replacements Genreau and Keben, winger Zakaria Aboukhlal is still too tight and seems to have finished his season after a serious injury. But TFC has good bench depth, and can compensate for this absence with players like Cissoko and Donnum, two technical summer recruits who are gaining momentum, or the two prolific strikers Dallinga (10 TCC goals) and Magri (4 TCC goals ). We will also note the arrival of two new offensive recruits this winter, Gboho (ex-Rennes) and Babicka who arrives from the Cyprus championship. Defensively it's strong, with the full-back Suazo delivering very good performances, like the central defense Costa-Nicolaisen and the promising goalkeeper Restes. Suazo could this time occupy a left winger position, to help Diarra muzzle Di Maria.