© Imago
The action continues in round 26 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga as Arouca and Estoril Praia go head-to-head at the Estadio Municipal de Arouca on Sunday.
Estoril will head into the weekend looking to complete the double over the home side, having cruised to an emphatic 4-1 victory in October’s reverse fixture.
We say: Arouca 2-2 Estoril Praia
After a turbulent first half of the season, Arouca have put together a fine run of form in recent weeks and will be looking to secure back-to-back victories for the second time this year. However, Estoril have proven tough to crack in recent weeks and we predict that they will do just enough to force a share of the spoils.
> Primeira Liga preview: Arouca vs Estoril
© Imago
Nacional play host to Casa Pia on Sunday looking for the win that would move the club away from the relegation zone.
At a time when the home side sit in 13th position in the Primeira Liga table, the visitors are in seventh and pushing for a surprise spot in Europe.
We say: Nacional 1-1 Casa Pia
With both teams heading into this fixture on the back of a defeat, there could be some nerves on show at Estadio da Madeira. With that in mind, we can see a low-scoring draw playing out, one that would suit the home side more so than the visitors.
> Primeira Liga preview: Nacional vs Casa Pia
© Imago
Fresh off their Champions League exit in midweek, Benfica shift focus to the Primeira Liga as they travel to Rio Ave for a matchday 26 encounter in search of respite.
The Reds saw their European journey come to an end after a 3-1 defeat at Barcelona, having already lost the first leg 1-0 last Wednesday.
We say: Rio Ave 1-3 Benfica
For all their inconsistencies, Rio have been tough to beat on their own turf, losing just once in 12 league games, though with Benfica in rampant form in recent top-flight outings, they should have enough to take all three points as they push to strengthen their title bid.
> Primeira Liga preview: Rio Ave vs Benfica
© Imago
Moreirense will look to end their winless run when they host bottom-placed Boavista on Sunday in round 26 of the Primeira Liga.
The Green and Whites sit 11th in the standings with 28 points, having failed to secure victory in their last three matches, while the visitors remain rooted to the foot of the table on 15 points, eight adrift of safety.
We say: Moreirense 2-0 Boavista
Both sides are playing in conditions that have suited them best, with Moreirense collecting most of their points on their own ground, while Boavista have earned the bulk of their meagre tally on the road.
However, the hosts’ record stands out as the stronger of the two, and they will be determined to make it count as they seek to end their winless run.
> Primeira Liga preview: Moreirense vs Boavista
© Imago
Fresh off a disappointing Conference League round of 16 exit, Vitoria de Guimaraes shift focus back to the Primeira Liga as they welcome Estrela Amadora for a matchday 26 clash, aiming to find some respite.
The Conquerors were thoroughly outclassed in a 4-0 defeat against Real Betis on Thursday, bringing their European campaign to an end with a 6-2 aggregate loss.
We say: Vitoria de Guimaraes 2-0 Estrela Amadora
While both sides are unbeaten in recent outings, Vitoria are favoured to prevail, despite their mixed inconsistency on home soil, as they face an Estrela side that has struggled to pick up points on their travels.
> Primeira Liga preview: Guimaraes vs Estrela Amadora
