- Benfica have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five matches (W2, D1, L2).
- St. Gallen have won three and lost two of their last five games (W3, L2).
Eagles are favourites for a close encounter
Benfica have had a mixed start to the new campaign, losing 2 of their 5 games across all competitions. The Eagles bounced back with a 2-0 home win over Villarreal CF and were then edged 2-1 away to St. Gallen in what has left a tight game. This match preview suggests another close contest.
The hosts are the clear favorites at 1.24, St. Gallen are 5.6 and the draw is 5.6. Our SL Benfica vs FC St. Gallen prediction is that Benfica can make the most of home advantage, but they cannot afford to be complacent. Benfica have lost one of five home games across all competitions this term (W3, D1, L1), so they have been solid at home, but not invincible.
St. Gallen are a live wire side with a mixed bag of wins and losses to show for their efforts in 2026 and they have the momentum of seven wins, one draw and two defeats in their most recent 10 games.
St. Gallen can make their mark
The Swiss outfit have lost 6-3 away to Lyon, lost 0-3 at home to Norwich City, but then beat Benfica 2-1 last time out. It's a crazy run of form, but they have been getting the wins when they need them and are playing with a lot of confidence right now.
That form has to be factored into the outcome on Thursday, and the odds on this game do not reflect the fact that St. Gallen have kept Benfica on the ropes and will fancy their chances to do so again.
Benfica have won five, drawn three and lost two of their 10 matches in 2026, which is a solid start but hardly immaculate. Marco Silva has been in charge since 1 July 2026 and he has built his teams around a patient possession approach, using wide overloads and making the game flow. This outlook also points to a game where Benfica's control could be tested.
Enrico Maassen took the St. Gallen job on 1 July 2024 and has moulded a team that is built to remain compact and spring fast breaks, making possession sides feel uncomfortable.
Silva is the danger man for the Eagles
Rafa Silva has one goal in one game in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 to lead Benfica's scoring for this tournament. He has also scored four of Benfica's nine goals across their last five in all competitions, so he is their main man for the end product.
Aliou Balde has scored one goal in his one game for St. Gallen in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 and has looked sharp when it mattered most.
This will be a chess match between a possession side and a team that live off the counter and disruptive pressing. Benfica should have enough to come out on top, but St. Gallen's win in this tie makes this not feel like a banker bet for the hosts.
SL Benfica vs FC St. Gallen betting tips point to Benfica to win and both teams to score - no at 1.55 is the best option, and under 2.5 goals at 2.18 has some appeal as a score guess.
