Benfica welcome Scottish side Heart of Midlothian to the Estádio da Luz for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie.The Portuguese giants head into the contest full of confidence after dismantling St. Gallen 6-2 on aggregate, including an emphatic 5-0 home victory, and will be aiming to build another commanding advantage before next week's return leg in Scotland.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsHeart of Midlothian, meanwhile, have endured a difficult start to the season.The Scottish side were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after a heavy 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sturm Graz and also opened their domestic league campaign with a 2-1 loss to Aberdeen.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878441##Facing one of Europe's strongest home sides will be a huge challenge, and the visitors will need a much-improved defensive display to remain in the tie.Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), ThursdayVenue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, PortugalCompetition: UEFA Europa League – Third Qualifying Round (First Leg)BETTING GUIDE: Partizan Belgrade vs Tobol Kostanay, Match Preview, Team News and PredictionCurrent standings: Benfica are through after eliminating St. Gallen, while Hearts dropped into the Europa League after exiting the Champions League qualifiers.Qualification implications: The winner over two legs advances to the UEFA Europa League Play-off Round, while the loser drops into the UEFA Conference League.Form GuideBenfica Lisbon✅ Win vs St. Gallen (5-0)✅ Win vs CF Os Belenenses (5-1)❌ Loss vs St. Gallen (1-2)✅ Win vs Villarreal (2-0)❌ Loss vs Flamengo (1-2)Heart of Midlothian❌ Loss vs Aberdeen (1-2)❌ Loss vs Sturm Graz (0-2)❌ Loss vs Sturm Graz (0-4)✅ Win vs Rayo Vallecano (2-1)❌ Loss vs Celtic (1-3)##NAJAVA_MECA_9878581##Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)No previous competitive meetings between Benfica and Heart of Midlothian.Team NewsBenfica🟢 No major injury concerns reported.🟢 Vangelis Pavlidis and Rafa Silva expected to start.Heart of Midlothian🟢 No major injury or suspension concerns reported.🟢 Strongest available squad expected.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Gor Mahia's blueprint that saw them reach CECAFA Kagame Cup finalPlayer to Watch: Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)Pavlidis has quickly become Benfica's focal point in attack and has played a key role in their impressive start to the campaign. His movement inside the penalty area and clinical finishing make him the biggest threat to the Hearts defence.With Benfica expected to dominate possession and create plenty of chances at home, the Greek striker could add to his goal tally. If Hearts leave space behind their backline, Pavlidis has the quality to punish them.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Benfica to Win🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Over 3.5 Goals🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Benfica to Win 4-1Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.