Benfica vs Arouca Predictions

• Neither club have anything left to play for in a game that could be Rafa Silva’s farewell to Benfica fans
• Benfica have won their last 10 home league games with over 3.5 goals in four of the last six
• Arouca lost 4-0 on their last league visit to Estadio da Luz

Benfica curtain call for Rafa

Benfica and Arouca should provide plenty of entertainment in Sunday’s meaningless league clash at Estadio da Luz, which is likely to be Rafa Silva’s final home game for the club.

The 30-year-old attacker, who has scored 92 goals in 325 games for the Eagles, is yet to renew his contract amid rumours he will join Al Sadd on a free this summer. Benfica’s players will be aware of his situation and may attempt to tee him up for a farewell goal in front of the fans.

Aside from that, there is very little significance to this game in the penultimate round of Primeira Liga fixtures – Benfica will finish second no matter what happens now and Arouca can finish sixth at best, which won’t qualify them for Europe.

Qatar-bound Mujica may not feature again

Benfica have won the last 10 head-to-head meetings so backing the home side to put on a show seems a solid play, especially as Arouca have recently been weakened by the loss of striker Rafa Mujica.

Their 20-goal top scorer has agreed to join Al Sadd and did not feature in their 0-0 draw with lowly Estrela last weekend.

That was the first game Arouca had failed to score in since early March and could be a sign that they cannot currently cover for Mujica’s absence. But Benfica home clean sheets have not been a regular occurrence this term so the preferred play here is to back the host to win with at least four goals in the game, even if a repeat of last season’s 4-0 scoreline has every chance.