Friday's Primeira Liga predictions including Santa Clara vs. Gil Vicente

Casa Pia vs. Nacional (Friday, 6.45pm)

Casa Pia and Nacional get the ball rolling in round nine of the Portuguese Primeira Liga when they go head to head at the Estadio Municipal de Rio Maior on Friday.

Both sides head into the weekend off the back of contrasting results in the Taca de Portugal, with the Os Gansos storming to an emphatic victory over Amora while the visitors were sent packing by second-tier Uniao Leiria.

We say: Casa Pia 2-0 Nacional

Still licking their wounds from their Taca de Portugal disappointment, Nacional will head into the weekend looking to pick up a morale-boosting result and get their campaign up and running.

However, Casa Pia will enter this one with sky-high confidence, particularly off the back of a dominant cup display, and we are backing them to claim all three points in front of their home supporters.

Santa Clara vs. Gil Vicente (Friday, 8.45pm)

Fresh off the back of reaching the fourth round of the Taca de Portugal, Santa Clara and Gil Vicente lock horns at the Estadio de Sao Miguel in round nine of the Primeira Liga on Friday.

Os Acorianos head into the weekend unbeaten in each of their last six home games against Bruno Pinheiro's men since September 2015 and will be looking to extend this dominant run.

We say: Santa Clara 2-1 Gil Vicente

While Santa Clara have kicked off the campaign on a strong note, it has been a topsy-turvy start to the season for Gil Vicente will be looking to continue from where they left off in the cup and build a fine run of form.

However, Santa Clara have been rock-solid on home turf, and considering the Gilistas' form on their travels is currently nothing to write home about, we are backing them to come away with the desired result.