Benfca – Santa Clara: Preview and Highest Odds

Gabriel Pires received an early booking in the win against Portimonense and will serve a one-match ban for this visit of Santa Clara. That will likely mean Julian Weigl filling in alongside Adel Taarabt in central midfield, while Darwin Nunez is another pushing for inclusion. Joao Ferreira, Andre Almeida and Andreas Samaris are the home side’s only known injury absentees. As for Santa Clara, they are without the injured Julio Romao and the suspended Fabio Cardoso, who misses out through an accumulation of yellow cards. Joao Afonso is expected to get the nod in central defence, where he will partner Mikel Villanueva. In terms of other possible changes Ramos could make, Rui Costa may be considered for a starting role after Crysan fired a blank in the goalless draw with Moreirense.