{"id":1470840,"date":"2026-07-22T12:47:49","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&p=1470840"},"modified":"2026-07-22T15:07:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:07:53","slug":"st-gallen-vs-benfica-predictions-23-07-26","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/st-gallen-vs-benfica-predictions-23-07-26\/","title":{"rendered":"St Gallen vs Benfica: predictions, best bets and latest odds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

St Gallen vs Benfica predictions take centre stage in the Europa League second qualifying round as the Swiss side host the Portuguese giants at Kybunpark on Thursday night.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St Gallen enjoyed a memorable 2025-26 campaign, finishing runners up in the Swiss Super League and lifting the Swiss Cup. Benfica, meanwhile, arrive under new head coach Marco Silva after completing an unbeaten Primeira Liga season, although they still finished third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The visitors boast far greater European experience and look well placed to take a first-leg lead back to Lisbon, despite several key players remaining unavailable following the World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St Gallen vs Benfica predictions & betting tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our prediction<\/th>Odds & bookmaker<\/th>Confidence<\/th>Why we’re backing it<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Benfica to win<\/td>7\/20 (bet365)<\/a>*<\/td>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>Benfica remain the strongest side in this tie despite several key absentees. Marco Silva has inherited a squad that went unbeaten in the Primeira Liga last season, while players such as Vangelis Pavlidis, Nicolas Otamendi and Anatoliy Trubin give the visitors far more experience at this level. St Gallen impressed domestically but suffered defeats to Lyon and Norwich in pre season, highlighting the step up in quality they now face.<\/td><\/tr>
Vangelis Pavlidis anytime goalscorer<\/td>4\/5 (betMGM)<\/a><\/td>\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>Pavlidis enjoyed another outstanding campaign last season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions. With Benfica expected to dominate possession and create the better chances, the Greece international looks the most likely player to find the net if the visitors control proceedings.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

*Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How both teams head into St Gallen vs Benfica<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

St Gallen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

St Gallen exceeded expectations throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Maassen guided his side to second place in the Swiss Super League before capping the season by lifting the Swiss Cup, securing the club’s first major trophy in more than half a century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Swiss side built their success around an energetic, attacking style. They scored 72 league goals, with Aliou Balde, Alessandro Vogt and Carlo Boukhalfa all making important contributions in the final third. Lukas Gortler again proved influential in midfield, providing leadership and creativity throughout the campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparation for the new season has produced mixed results. St Gallen won their opening three friendlies before tougher tests exposed defensive vulnerabilities. A 6-3 defeat against Lyon was followed by a 3-0 loss to Norwich City, giving Maassen plenty to think about before welcoming Benfica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although they remain difficult to beat at Kybunpark, Thursday represents a significant rise in class against one of Europe’s most experienced clubs.<\/p>\n\n\n

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