On Thursday night, Benfica take their title challenge to surprise-package Famalicao in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
The home side has enjoyed a superb maiden season in the Primera Liga under Joao Pedro Sousa, formerly an assistant coach at Everton during Marco Silva’s reign on Merseyside.
The home side are fifth-place in the Portuguese top-flight, just five points outside the European spots with four rounds of games remaining in the Primera Liga. A top-four finish looks just out of reach for the minnows, but even a top-six finish would be more than a respectable outcome for Sousa’s team.
A recent inconsistent run of form may well prove pivotal in the home team missing out on European football for next season. A 1-0 win at Tondela last time out ended a three-game winless run in the Portuguese top-flight for Famalicao.
Famalicao have had major problems winning on home soil of late in the Portuguese top-flight, as they have recorded just two wins in their last eight games at the Estadio Municipal 22 de Junho. The fact that they have scored just six goals in their previous seven home matches in the Portuguese top-flight has been a big factor in that poor record.
Reigning champions Benfica are now outsiders to retain their crown, as the Eagles head into this clash six points adrift of league leaders Porto in the race for the Portuguese top-flight title.
Nelson Verissimo’s team has won just two of their last eight league matches. A 3-1 win over Boavista last time out ended a mini two-game losing run in the Primeira Liga.
An inconsistent recent away record has not helped the Eagles title challenge, as they have won just once in their last four league matches on their travels.
Forebet predicts that Benfica will keep their title hopes alive at least for another week with a victory in a high-scoring encounter.