Boavista vs Benfica
6 December 2030hrs
Football – Portugal – Primeira Liga
Pick Benfica
Bookmaker Marathonbet
Odds: 1/2 odds taken 2000 GMT, Thursday 5 December)
Leaders Benfica face a difficult test as they travel to face Boavista on Friday. The visitors go there in good form however having won nine straight in the league and look to stretch their lead at the top.
Primeira Liga Betting at Marathonbet
Boavista Preview – Can Boavista upset league leaders and move into the top four with a win?
Fifth placed Boavista will be looking to upset Benfica on Friday night and moving into fourth spot in the process. Lito Vidigal took over the club at the beginning of this season and led the club to eighth spot thanks to a very strong finish to the campaign have struggled before then. That sort of end has given the team a lot of confidence, clearly, and their ambitions are loftier this time around. European football is the aim and they are looking to challenge the likes of Sporting and Braga, and the surprise packages of the season thus far, Famalicao. Having lost their first two games of the season in consecutive weeks, Vidigal’s men returned to winning ways last time out defeating Santa Clara. They’re now looking to do something they haven’t managed so far and win successive matches.
Porto are the only team to have beaten Boavista at home this season. That was a narrow 1-0 reverse and they have won twice and drawn their other three home games so far. There will be some frustration that they have not picked up more points at home but Friday’s game would be the perfect opportunity to collect their third home.
Benfica Preview – Will Benfica get three points to extend their lead over Porto at the top of the Primeira Liga?
Since losing to Porto at home 2-0 back in August, Benfica have went on an eight-game winning run in the league to retake top spot over that rival. They have a two point lead over Porto and are looking very confident at this moment in time. Six of those eight wins have come without conceding a goal and allowing just two in that run. It also means they have won every single away match in the league so far – their last defeat on the road came way back on the 2nd of January, winning every other game since.
Whilst their defence has been excellent Benfica can also boast two of the league’s top scorers. Pizzi has struck nine goals from midfield making him the top scorer in the division whilst striker Carlos Vinicius has seven goals in 10 games. This game kicks off a big week for Benfica as they complete their Champions League group stage when hosting Zenit on Tuesday. A big win could yet see them qualify but the other result also has to go their way. Getting three points in this one would certainly be the best preparation.
Key-Facts – Boavista vs Benfica
- Boavista won last time out, defeating Santa Clara 2-1 away from home – their second away victory of the season
- Benfica have only dropped points on one occasion this season winning all other 11 matches including their last eight
- It’s three wins in a row for Benfica in this fixture including a 2-0 win in this equivalent game last season
Boavista vs Benfica Betting Advice
These games are often hotly anticipated and this one is no different. Boavista are a much improved side in 2019 compared to what went before and they are tough to beat at home. That loss to Porto in their last home game was only their second in the last 16. Benfica will be fully aware of the challenge that awaits them but they have been imperious on their travels for the most part of the calendar year and looking to preserve their 100% record on their travels this season.
Benfica have won the last three games against this opponent and look well placed to make that four in a row. They may not have reached the same heights in Europe but they have been incredible domestically and continue that form by taking another three points home with them tomorrow.
