Farense vs. Gil Vicente (Saturday, 3.30pm)
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SC Farense and Gil Vicente are in action for the first time in the new year when they go head to head at the Estadio de Sao Luis in round 16 of the Primeira Liga on Saturday.
Off the back of a disappointing first half of the season, Vitor Campelos's men currently find themselves three points above the danger zone and will be hoping for a strong showing in the business end of the season.
We say: SC Farense 1-1 Gil Vicente
Farense endured a tough end to the year but will be backing themselves against a Gil Vicente side who have struggled on their travels. However, we predict both sides will cancel out each other's efforts and settle for a share of the spoils.
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Estrela Amadora vs. Vizela (Saturday, 3.30pm)
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Estrela Amadora and Vizela take to the pitch for the first time in the new year when they lock horns at the Estadio Jose Gomes in round 16 of the Primeira Liga on Saturday.
This will be their first meeting since they clashed in the Taca de Portugal fourth round back in November, when the Vizelenses scraped an extra-time victory at the Estadio do FC Vizela.
We say: Estrela Amadora 1-2 Vizela
While Vizela find themselves in the bottom half of the table after an underwhelming first half of the season, they have been solid away from home in recent weeks and we fancy them coming away with all three points against the hosts who have struggled for consistency.
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Arouca vs. Benfica (Saturday, 6.00pm)
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Benfica will continue their pursuit of the top spot in the Primeira Liga on Saturday evening when they travel to face Arouca at Estadio Municipal de Arouca in their first league match of 2024.
The hosts ended last year in 10th place, with 16 points after 15 matches, while the visitors are second in the league standings with 36 points over the same period.
We say: Arouca 1-2 Benfica
Arouca look like a new side under Daniel Sousa and have rattled off wins over Boavista, Gil Vicente, and Estrela in recent weeks, which would have done wonders for their confidence. However, Benfica is a much better side than the hosts have faced recently, and while The Eagles are short-handed heading into this contest, we fancy them to grind out another three points.
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Braga vs. Guimaraes (Saturday, 8.30pm)
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Arguably, the pick of the matches in the Primeira Liga this weekend will see Braga face off against Vitoria de Guimaraes at Estadio Municipal de Braga on Saturday night.
This match could have a major impact on the race for European football next season as the hosts are currently holding the Conference League qualification spot while the visitors are the first side below them.
We say: Braga 2-1 Vitoria de Guimaraes
Both these sides' league forms have been very similar this season, and we are likely to see a level match unfold here. Braga's home form and scoring record has been excellent this season, though, which is why we feel that they may just edge this one by the final whistle.
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Barney Corkhill
