On Saturday evening, Benfica will look to keep their narrow Primeira Liga title hopes alive when they host Sporting Braga at the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica’s title hopes are fading quicklyThe reigning Portuguese champions head into this encounter seven points adrift of league leaders and arch-rivals Sporting Lisbon with just four rounds remaining in the Primeira Liga.
The Eagles’ recent form in the Portuguese top flight has been strong. Roger Schmidt’s team has won five of their last six games, including a 3-1 win at Farense last time out.
Benfica’s recent Primeira Liga games have been relatively high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in 14 of their last 16 matches.
Their recent home form in the Portuguese top flight has been stellar. The Eagles are unbeaten in 18 home games, recording 16 wins and two draws.
Benfica’s strong home form in the Primeira Liga has been based on their potent offensive play. They have scored at least two goals in eight of their last nine home Liga matches.
Braga heads to Lisbon in good formThe visitors head to the Portuguese capital in fourth place in the table. However, they are also only behind third-place Porto courtesy of an inferior goal difference.
Braga’s recent Liga form has been impressive. Last time out, a 2-1 home win over Vizela was their seventh victory in their previous nine games in the Portuguese top-flight.
Their recent games have delivered when it comes to entertainment, as four of their previous five games have produced over 2.5 goals.
Rui Duarte’s team has been strong on their travels in the Primeira Liga. They are unbeaten in four away matches, having recorded three wins and one draw.
What am I backing?Both teams will be confident heading into this clash, having been on good recent runs of form. I am expecting goals galore in this game, which is why I am backing over 2.5 goals scored.
