On Sunday evening, Benfica hosts Arouca at the Estadio da Luz in the Primeira Liga as both look to end their league campaigns strongly with just two rounds of games remaining.
Benfica no longer Portuguese championsThe Eagles surrendered their Primeira Liga crown to arch-rivals Sporting CP last weekend. Roger Schmidt’s team suffered a 2-0 defeat last time out at Famalicao, which ended the home team’s chances of retaining the Portuguese title.
The defeat ended Benfica's three-game winning run in the Primeira Liga. The Eagles have also scored three goals in each of the consecutive victories.
The former Portuguese champions have been formidable on home soil of late. They are unbeaten in their last 19 home games in the Liga, having recorded 17 wins and two draws.
Benfica have been prolific on home soil in the Primeira Liga, scoring at least two goals in nine of their previous ten matches in the Portuguese top-flight.
Arouca still unbeaten in five Liga gamesThe visitors are unbeaten in six games in the Primeira Liga after a goalless home draw against Estrela last time out. In fact, Arouca has drawn its previous three Liga matches.
Arouca is currently in seventh place in the Primeira Liga table, but they are 19 points outside of the European spots.
Their recent home games in the Portuguese top-flight have been relatively high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last ten outings.
Daniel Sousa’s team has an inconsistent recent away record in the Primeira Liga. However, they are unbeaten in three away games and have lost just one of their last five away from home.
Arouca’s recent away games in the Liga have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in eight of their last 11 matches.
What am I backing?Benfica haven’t been at their best recently. However, they are strong on home soil, and the bet I am backing is the home victory.