Famalicao and Benfica draw the curtains on round 32 of the Primeira Liga when they go head to head at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao on Sunday.
While As Aguias will be looking to keep their slim title hopes alive, the Vila Nova will set out to snap their four-game winless run as they continue their push for a top-half finish. Â
Match preview
Famalicao failed to arrest their poor late-season form as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Estoril Praia when the sides secured off at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota last Sunday.
Despite being in the ascendancy for most of the game, the visitors were guilty of a wasteful display in front of goal as Rodrigo Gomes's 34th-minute strike fired Estoril to all three points.
Armando Evangelista's men have now failed to taste victory in each of their last four matches, losing twice and picking up two draws since scraping a narrow 3-2 win over Vizela on April 6.
While Famalicao have failed to win six of their last seven away matches since late January, they now return home, where they are unbeaten in five of their last six matches, claiming two wins and three draws since the start of February.
For all their recent struggles, the Vila Nova are in contention for a top-half finish as they sit eighth in the Primeira Liga table with 36 points from 31 matches, one point above ninth-placed Casa Pia.
Benfica, on the other hand, endured they remain within touching distance of league leaders Sporting Lisbon as they secured a 3-1 victory over 10-man Braga last weekend.
In a thrilling contest at the Estadio da Luz, Benfica mounted an impressive second-half comeback as a brace from Marcos Leonardo and David Neres's 85th-minute strike canceled out Ricardo Horta's 28th-minute opener.
Roger Schmidt's side have now won six of their last six Primeira Liga matches — scoring 15 goals and keeping three clean sheets — with a 2-1 loss at Sporting Lisbon on April 6 being the exception.
With just three games to go before the season draws to a close, Benfica have picked up 76 points from 31 matches to sit second in the league table, five points behind first-placed Sporting Lisbon.
As Aguias will be backing themselves to continue their fine run of results this weekend as they take on a Famalicao side who have lost each of their most recent four meetings and have failed to win their last 12 encounters since December 2019.
Team News
Dutch defender Justin De Haas is out of contention for Famalicao due to suspension after picking up a straight red card in the game against Portimonense on April 21.
Jhonder Cadiz had an uncharacteristically quiet game against Estoril last time out but the Venezuelan striker, who has 15 league goals to his name this season, will certainly be one to keep an eye on.
Meanwhile, Benfica remain without the defensive duo of Tomas Araujo and Juan Bernat, who have been sidelined through ankle and thigh injuries respectively.
Danish defender Alexander Bah, who has 19 league appearances this season, was forced off with a muscle injury against Braga last time out and will also play no part in this weekend's matchup.
In his absence, 22-year-old Felipe Morato could come into the fold, forming the back four with Antonio Silva, Nicolas Otamendi and Norwegian international Fredrik Aursnes.
Famalicao possible starting lineup:
Junior, Nathan, Riccieli, Mihaj, Moura; Youssouf, Topic; Rodriguez, Aranda, Chiquinho; Cadiz
Benfica possible starting lineup:
Trubin, Morato, A Silva, Otamendi, Aursnes; Luis, Mario; Di Maria, R Silva, Neres; Cabral
We say: Famalicao 0-2 Benfica
While Famalicao will be looking to find their feet on Sunday, they will need to be at their best against a well-drilled Benfica side whom they have failed to get the better of in their last 12 meetings. As Aguias need all three points to keep their title dreams alive and we see them coming away with the desired result.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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