Saturday's Primeira Liga predictions including Benfica vs. Casa Pia

sportsmole.co.uk, 17 August 2024, 05:35
Rio Ave vs. Farense (Saturday, 3.30pm)

Rio Ave and SC Farense face off at Estadio dos Arcos on Saturday seeking their first Primeira Liga victories in the round two fixture.

In their league-opening matches, the Porto-based club were beaten by the defending Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon, while their Faro opponents lost to 10-man Moreirense.

We say: Rio Ave 1-1 SC Farense

Despite losing five of their previous seven road matches dating back to 23-24, Farense have found the net in all but one match during that run. We expect their goalscoring form to continue this weekend, even if the spoils are expected to be shared against a Rio Ave side that have not lost on their turf since November 2023.

Nacional vs. Sporting Lisbon (Saturday, 6.00pm)

Nacional host defending Primeira Liga champions Sporting Lisbon in Saturday's gameweek two clash at Estadio da Madeira.

The newly promoted team, returning to the top flight after a three-year hiatus, will face a tough test in their first home match against Ruben Amorim's side.

We say: Nacional 0-2 Sporting Lisbon

Sporting, undefeated in their last 11 league away matches, are expected to extend their streak with a comfortable win against newly-promoted Nacional to continue their 100% start in 2024-25 and claim a sixth straight win in this fixture.

Benfica vs. Casa Pia (Saturday, 8.30pm)

Benfica look to bounce back from their Primeira Liga opening-day loss to Famalicao when they welcome Casa Pia to Estadio da Luz on Saturday.

The gameweek two fixture brings two winless clubs from the league-opening matches face to face, with Roger Schmidt's troops keen to secure maximum points to avoid further falling behind Sporting Lisbon and Porto.

We say: Benfica 2-0 Casa Pia

Despite holding Benfica to a 1-1 draw last season, the Eagles are backed to notch a 12th straight league victory at Estadio da Luz against Casa Pia. Seven of those home matches have seen Schmidt's men keep clean sheets, and an eight could be imminent on Saturday.

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