There have been four or more goals in three of Hearts' last five games
Both teams have scored in Benfica's last nine away outings
Recommended bet: Over 3.5 goals @ 59/50 with LiveScore Bet
It has been a tough start to life as Hearts boss for Wouter Vrancken and they will be looking to seek some solace in this Europa League third round qualifying round following a 6-1 drubbing from Benfica in Lisbon.
Vrancken got his first win as Hearts' head coach at his fifth attempt with Sunday’s emphatic 4-0 win at home to Dundee United, but the Lisbon Lions are evidently at a different level.
The Jambos may opt to look ahead to the future and make changes given the mammoth task they face, with thm having been beaten 6-0 on aggregate by Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying.
Benfica can also look to take things easier given their commanding lead and they would have been disappointed to be held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted Academico Viseu in their Primeira Liga opener.
The latest Hearts vs Benfica odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Given the state of the tie, both teams may opt to make changes with their weekend domestic fixtures in mind and Hearts remain without Stephen Kingsley, Craig Halkett, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Ageu.
Stuart Findlay should return having been suspended for the win over Dundee United following his red card against Aberdeen.
Benfica, meanwhile, are unable to call upon the services of Fredrik Aursnes, Franjo Ivanovic and Joshua Wynder.
The stats
Hearts have lost four of their five matches under new manager Wouter Vrancken and three of those five games have featured at least four goals.
Both teams have scored in eight of Benfica's last nine competitive fixtures and the Lisbon Lions are unbeaten in four games, winning three and scoring 18 goals along the way.
Eleven of Benfica’s last 12 matches have gone over 2.5 goals.
Both teams have scored in Benfica’s last nine away outings and Hearts have lost only one of their last 23 home games.
The latest Hearts vs Benfica odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Hearts face a mammoth task after being swatted aside 6-1 by Benfica in Lisbon, but they will hope to save some face when they renew their rivalry at Tynecastle.
Hearts have had a tough start under new management, but Sunday's 4-0 win at home to Dundee United would have restored some confidence and they are a formidable force at their Edinburgh base.
However, Benfica showed in the opening leg that they are a cut above the Scottish Premiership side and are still likely to play their part.
There were plenty of chances in an end-to-end first leg, with the Portuguese giants winning the shot count 24-10 and more entertainment is expected in the Scottish capital.
Both teams can afford to play with the shackles off given the scoreline and there have been 20 goals in Hearts' five matches with Vrancken in charge.
Meanwhile, both teams have scored in Benfica's last nine away games to suggest that they may concede in what could be another high-scoring victory for them.
Score Prediction: Hearts 1-3 Benfica
