Boavista vs Benfica: Primeira Liga Clash Preview
As the Portuguese Primeira Liga reaches its sixth round, Boavista and Benfica are set to face off in a highly anticipated match at the Estadio do Bessa on Monday. With both teams having contrasting fortunes in recent weeks, this clash promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Match Preview
Boavista enters this match with a sense of urgency. After a promising start to the season, which included a 1-0 victory against Casa Pia, the team has struggled to maintain momentum. Their latest outing ended in a frustrating 2-2 draw against Estrela Amadora, where they relinquished their lead twice. Goals from Bruno Onyemaechi and Ilija Voktic were not enough to secure all three points, as Kikas and former Manchester United star Luis Nani found the net for Estrela.
Currently sitting in 15th place, Boavista’s form has been concerning, with only two points collected from their last four league matches. This dismal run has seen them fail to win 13 of their last 14 Primeira Liga games, raising questions about their ability to compete against stronger opponents like Benfica.
In stark contrast, Benfica arrives at the Estadio do Bessa buoyed by their recent success in the Champions League. The Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade, with Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu scoring crucial first-half goals. This victory has revitalized their confidence after a rocky start to the league season, where they suffered a surprising defeat to Famalicao on the opening day.
Benfica’s domestic form has improved significantly since that loss, with three wins and a draw in their last four league matches. Their most recent league performance was a commanding 4-1 victory over Santa Clara, showcasing their attacking prowess with goals from Akturkoglu, Florentino Luis, Antonio Silva, and Angel Di Maria.
Team News
Boavista will be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Joao Goncalves, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Veteran keeper Cesar Dutra is also unavailable due to an ACL injury, forcing 17-year-old Tome Sousa to step in as the starting goalkeeper. The club is also dealing with injuries to Morales Pires and Miguel Reisinho, further complicating their squad depth.
On the other hand, Benfica faces its own injury challenges. Tiago Gouveia has been ruled out with a shoulder injury, while Renato Sanchez is also sidelined due to a muscle injury. Alexander Bah is a major doubt after sustaining an injury during the midweek Champions League match. Despite these setbacks, Benfica boasts a strong attacking lineup, with Akturkoglu, Di Maria, and new signing Vangelis Pavlidis expected to lead the charge.
Possible Lineups
Boavista’s Possible Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Tome Sousa
- Defenders: Gomes, Abascal, Onyemaechi, Ferreira, Vukotic
- Midfielders: Camara, Perez
- Forwards: Miguel, Bozenik, Agra
Benfica’s Possible Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Trubin
- Defenders: Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras
- Midfielders: Kokcu, Luis
- Forwards: Di Maria, Rollheiser, Akturkoglu, Pavlidis
Prediction
Given the current form of both teams, Benfica is favored to secure a victory in this encounter. Their recent Champions League success and improved league performances suggest they are hitting their stride. While Boavista will undoubtedly put up a fight in front of their home fans, the firepower and confidence of Benfica’s squad are likely to prove decisive.
Final Prediction: Boavista 1-3 Benfica
As the match approaches, fans can expect an exciting clash filled with drama and intensity. Benfica will be eager to continue their winning ways, while Boavista will be desperate to turn their fortunes around. This match is not just about points; it’s about pride and the desire to reclaim lost momentum in the league.