On Sunday evening, Casa Pia and Benfica clash at the Estadio Municipal de Rio Maior in a game that could have significant implications at both ends of the Primeira Liga table.
Casa Pia is not completely clear of dangerThe home team is currently in 11th place in the Primeira Liga table. However, they are only five points clear of the relegation zone in the Portuguese top-flight.
A 3-1 defeat at Estrela ended Alexandre Santana’s team's three-game unbeaten run in the Primeira Liga. The game also ended a run of low-scoring outings, as their previous five games had all produced under 2.5 goals.
Although Casa Pia are unbeaten in three home games in the Liga, they have won just once in their last six matches on home soil.
Their home games have also been relatively low-scoring lately, with under 2.5 goals scored in nine of their last eleven matches.
Benfica edged through against Rangers in the Europa LeagueOn Thursday night, the Eagles recorded a 1-0 win over Scottish giants Rangers at Ibrox to progress into the last eight of the Europa League 3-2 on aggregate.
The result means that the visitors are unbeaten in three games in all competitions, having recorded back-to-back wins.
Roger Schmidt’s team also has a good record in the Primeira Liga recently, winning ten of their previous 12 matches. Despite their recent good form, the reigning champions are still second in the table, trailing city rivals Sporting CP by a point.
The Eagles have been prolific in the Portuguese top-flight, scoring at least two goals in ten of their last 11 Liga outings.
Benfica have taken just one point from their last two away games in the Primeira Liga. However, a shock 5-0 thrashing at Porto in their last away match in the Liga ended the champions' ten-match unbeaten run on their travels.
What am I backing?Casa Pia has been in unpredictable form, and the visitors should have too much quality for the home team. With that in mind, the bet I am backing is the away win.
