Both teams have scored in eight of Benfica’s last nine matches
Both teams have scored in three of St. Gallen’s last four games
Recommended Bet: Both teams to score - Yes @ 11/10 with LiveScore Bet
Benfica return to Estadio da Luz with work to do if they are to overcome St. Gallen and continue on a path to the Europa League league phase.
The Lisbon giants lost 2-1 in Switzerland in last week's first leg and new boss Marco Silva could have few complaints about the result in his first game in charge.
Without more than half a dozen key players after the World Cup, the Eagles failed to control the game after getting back on terms through Rafa Silva.
And they got their just deserts when Tom Gaal popped up, unmarked, at the far post to grab the winner by adding to Aliou Balde's brilliant opener.
The latest Benfica vs St. Gallen odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Benfica's biggest question surrounds midfielder Leandro Barreiro, who missed the first leg with a respiratory infection.
His availability is still not guaranteed, but signs are encouraging and he could return to the XI if he comes through their final training session.
That would allow Silva to restore the partnership with Enzo Barrenechea in the double pivot, which flourished in pre‑season against Flamengo and Villarreal.
Fredrik Aursnes and Richard Ríos are alternative options, but both have only just returned from post‑World Cup holidays and lack match rhythm.
The other major storyline is the potential debut of Jhon Duran, who was available for the first leg but not selected due to limited training time.
The Colombian striker impressed in a 5‑1 friendly win over Belenenses, scoring and assisting after coming on at half‑time, and is now ready to contribute if needed, although Vangelis Pavlidis will retain his starting berth up front.
St. Gallen arrive with no fresh injury concerns and are expected to keep faith with the XI that secured the 2‑1 win last week.
Their aggressive pressing and direct transitions caused Benfica problems, and the livewire Balde should again be part of a potent attacking line.
The stats
Benfica have scored in nine of their last 10 home European qualifiers, while St. Gallen have scored in every competitive match since April.
Both teams scored in the final 10 minutes of the first half in the first leg.
Benfica have scored and conceded in their last six competitive matches and their last five home matches have averaged 3.6 goals.
St. Gallen have lost only one of their last seven Europa League and Europa Conference League qualifiers
The latest Benfica vs St. Gallen odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
This is a clash of two sides who attack with conviction but defend inconsistently, a combination that promises chances at both ends inside Estadio da Luz.
The Lisbon Eagles must chase the game from the outset and Silva's side are at their most dangerous when forced to play aggressively.
Pavlidis, Rafa Silva and Heorhiy Sudakov all had chances in Switzerland and should cause more problems at home, while Duran's presence on the bench gives the Portuguese giants an explosive late option.
St. Gallen, meanwhile, showed in the first leg that they can penetrate Benfica out wide and cause problems from open play or set-piece crosses.
The hosts need to score, while St. Gallen can exploit any space behind their defence again to ensure there are goals at both ends in Lisbon.
Score prediction: Benfica 2‑1 St. Gallen (Benfica to advance after extra time)
