Benfica vs Hearts prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, August 6, 2026
In the Europa League qualification semi-final on August 6, 2026, Benfica and Hearts will play the first leg. The home side will try to secure progression already in this fixture.
Benfica vs Hearts: Team News and Expert Analysis
The Lisbon giants did not lose a single match in the Primeira last season but only finished third. Over the summer, Marco Silva replaced Mourinho, who departed for Real Madrid. The club from Edinburgh nearly caused a sensation in the 2025/2026 Premiership. However, they lost to Celtic in the final round and missed out on the title, settling for second place. This season, they started away at Aberdeen and lost 1-2.
The Portuguese side began their Europa League campaign in the previous round. They managed to knock out St. Gallen, although they lost 1-2 away. However, at home, they thrashed the Swiss club, scoring six unanswered goals!
The Scots started in the Champions League but had a poor campaign. They lost both matches to Sturm without scoring. Away, it was 0-4, and at home, they managed almost nothing—ending 0-2.
Previous matches: Benfica vs Hearts
This will be their first ever head-to-head encounter.
The hosts are much stronger and more experienced. We predict that they will win here with a "-2 goals" handicap (odds – 1.71).
Benfica vs Hearts: Key Statistics and Trends
- Benfica have won both previous matches
- The club scored an average of 2.18 goals per game while conceding 0.74
- Hearts lost twice in the Champions League and three times overall including a slip-up in the Premiership
- The team averaged 1.76 goals scored and half as many, 0.89, conceded
Benfica vs Hearts: Probable Starting Lineups
Benfica play in a 4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Trubin – Dahl, Lenglet, Antonio Silva, Bah – Barrenetxea, Barreiro – Kaminski, Sudakov, Rafa Silva – Pavlidis
Hearts play in a 4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Schwolow – Milne, Kingsley, Fagan-Walcott, Altena – McEntee, Spittal – Kiziridis, Ghendouz, Miller – Claudio Braga
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Europa League qualification table
