Verdict: Benfica win
Finest Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
Trying to end off the job and punch their Europa League knockout stage ticket on Thursday night, Benfica will journey over to France after they meet Toulouse.
Toulouse
Beginning with the hosts, finally falling to a first-leg 2-1 loss after they travelled to Lisbon final week, Toulouse have an actual uphill battle on their fingers right here. Nevertheless, springing what was an actual home upset over the weekend as they snatched a 2-1 victory away at French giants Monaco, Les Violets will likely be determined to make use of that show as a platform to construct on. However, mustering only a pair of wins from any of their earlier six appearances throughout all competitions, Carles Martinez Novell’s males nonetheless discover themselves on the coronary heart of a Ligue 1 relegation scrap in 2024. Coming beneath an enormous quantity of scrutiny and failing to search out any sort of stability, an enormous a part of Toulouse has been their prolonged points on dwelling soil. In reality, Novell’s facet have misplaced their earlier three dwelling fixtures by an combination rating of 6-2.
Workforce Information
Each nonetheless coping with respective damage points, the duo of Zakaria Aboukhlal and Denis Genreau won’t characteristic on Thursday night. Whereas Kevin Keben might need returned to Novell’s squad over the weekend, the 20-year-old should accept one other spot on the bench right here.
Nevertheless, proven a first-leg crimson card out in Portugal final week, Toulouse will likely be with out the suspended Christian Mawissa Elebi. Notching 4 Europa League group stage targets final yr, Dutch worldwide Thijs Dallinga will spearhead Novell’s cost in midweek.
Benfica
As for the guests, claiming a first-leg benefit in Lisbon final week as they snatched that 2-1 victory, Benfica actually discover the temper of their camp at a red-hot excessive. Maintaining their purple patch over the weekend as they stormed their solution to a routine 6-1 romp at dwelling in opposition to Vizela, Roger Schmidt’s males have their sights firmly set on mounting a real Europa League cost in 2024. Remarkably struggling only a single defeat from any of their earlier 20 appearances throughout all competitions – a run that stems all the way in which again to November eighth – the Eagles have additionally impressed with their scientific performances within the ultimate third. Opening February with a 3-0 victory in opposition to Gil Vicente, Benfica have now notched no less than a pair of targets in all bar considered one of their final 12 of their earlier 13 showdowns.
Workforce Information
Nonetheless coping with an prolonged muscle damage and never making a single look throughout any competitors for the reason that finish of October, Benfica will as soon as once more be with out the providers of Juan Bernat right here. Nevertheless, apart from the previous PSG star, Thursday’s friends have reported a clear invoice of well being forward of their journey to France.
Bagging a stellar first-leg brace in opposition to Toulouse final week, Argentina famous person Angel Di Maria will definitely be handed a full recall in midweek. Former Manchester Metropolis defender Nicolas Otamendi will as soon as once more companion Tomas Araujo on the again.
Key Components to Take into account
When Toulouse and Benfica met for his or her first-leg conflict final week, the Portuguese giants picked up a 2-1 victory on dwelling soil.
The Eagles have suffered only a single defeat from any of their earlier 12 showdowns exterior of Lisbon.
Toulouse have misplaced all of their earlier three appearances in entrance of their very own supporters by an combination rating of 6-2.
Likewise, Thursday’s hosts have additionally received simply considered one of their final 9 contests on the Stadium de Toulouse.
Benfica have registered 11 targets of their earlier 4 away fixtures.
Conclusion
Selecting up what was a deserved first-leg benefit in Lisbon final week, Benfica will merely be trying to keep away from a possible banana pores and skin right here. Travelling to France with a slender 2-1 lead, the Portuguese giants will definitely be trying to money in on a Toulouse facet which have gained a repute for his or her prolonged points on dwelling soil. Remarkably mustering only a single victory from any of their earlier 9 showdowns in entrance of their very own supporters, we’re backing Benfica to increase on their Europa League journey on Thursday night.
Verdict: Benfica win
Finest Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
