SC Farense vs Benfica Predictions

• Benfica have won their last four Primeira Liga matches with at least three goals scored in each
• Farense have lost three of their four home league games this season, including a 5-0 defeat to Sporting
• Benfica have won four of the last six league meetings of the clubs, averaging 2.33 goals per game

Benfica sense a chance to close the gap

Benfica can step up their pursuit of Sporting Club by handsomely beating bottom club Farense on Saturday. The Primeira Liga leaders are going through some upheaval at the moment as Ruben Amorim prepares to depart for Manchester United and those at the Estadio da Luz will be sensing an opportunity to close the eight-point gap to the leaders.

Bruno Lage’s side, who have a game in hand on their city rivals, have found a good rhythm in recent weeks, beating the likes of Atletico Madrid, Santa Clara (twice), Rio Ave and Boavista with plenty to spare.

It would be no surprise to see them score three or more goals in Faro against a side that was dismantled 5-0 at home by Amorim’s Sporting earlier this season.

Eagles can soar to victory

Back Benfica to win with at least three goals in the game, as there have been in each of the Eagles’ last four league wins. They even managed a 3-0 win in midweek when their League Cup tie against Santa Clara looked destined to be a tight one for the first 70-odd minutes.

Farense boss Toze Marreco is without a handful of players for the clash and is especially limited in his attacking options. During Sunday’s 2-0 away defeat in Braga, the coach gave some minutes to Darío Poveda and Mehdi Merghem, two attacking solutions who are still looking for competitive rhythm after a month out.

But Filipe Soares , Rafael Barbosa , Jaime Pinto and Tomané will not be in the squad at the weekend and the team may struggle to gain a foothold in the clash.