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Two sides hovering just above the drop zone in the Primeira Liga go head-to-head on Saturday as AVS host Arouca in a crucial round 25 clash.
Separated by just two points, the visitors sit 13th on 25, while the hosts are one place below, clinging to a one-point cushion over the relegation playoff spot.
We say: AVS 1-1 Arouca
Arouca’s recent defeat may have been nothing more than a blip against a stronger Porto side, leaving them well-positioned to take something from this encounter.
However, AVS’s hard-fought victory could provide a major confidence boost, but with the visitors proving difficult to beat — aside from their recent setback — a tight contest is expected, with a low-scoring draw appearing the most likely outcome.
> Primeira Liga preview: AVS vs Arouca
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Estoril Praia will look to deliver the perfect response to last weekend’s setback when they host relegation-threatened SC Farense in round 25 of the Primeira Liga.
The Canaries head into this encounter on the back of a 3-1 defeat away to Sporting Lisbon on Monday, marking their first loss of 2025.
We say: Estoril Praia 2-0 SC Farense
Farense may have been tough to break down of late, but their blunt attack leaves them ill-equipped to go toe-to-toe with an Estoril side that has been relentless in front of goal, making anything other than a home win unlikely.
> Primeira Liga preview: Estoril vs Farense
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After a disappointing continental outing in midweek, Benfica return to domestic action this weekend as they host Nacional in round 25 of the Primeira Liga.
The Reds step into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
We say: Benfica 3-1 Nacional
Benfica enter this contest as overwhelming favourites, backed by their dominant record in this fixture and formidable home form this season.
Nacional, riding the momentum of their recent success, will aim to capitalise on any potential distraction with the hosts possibly having one eye on next week’s Champions League return leg in Spain, but the Reds boast enough quality and squad depth to navigate this challenge and secure the win.
> Primeira Liga preview: Benfica vs Nacional
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Braga have the opportunity to draw level on points with Porto when both sides face off in this weekend’s high-profile clash of Primeira Liga round 25.
A disappointing defeat to Rio Ave last weekend saw the Archbishops slip three points behind the visitors, who strengthened their position in third place with a comfortable victory over Arouca in their own gameweek 24 fixture.
We say: Braga 1-1 Porto
This is a battle between a visiting side that has thrived on the road in recent outings and a home team that has turned their ground into a fortress.
With both teams building their recent success on defensive resilience, a tightly contested encounter is expected, making a low-scoring draw the likely outcome.
> Primeira Liga preview: Braga vs Porto
