Farense vs. Rio Ave (Saturday, 3.30pm)
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SC Farense will be looking to climb out of the relegation zone when they go head-to-head with Rio Ave in round 19 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Saturday.
The Vilacondenses, who have managed just one away win in the league this term, have failed to taste victory in their three visits to the Estadio de Sao Luis since October 2020 and will need to be at their best this weekend if they are to come away with the desired result.
We say: SC Farense 2-1 Rio Ave
While Farense have turned a corner since their stuttering start to the campaign, they have played out three consecutive stalemates in their last three outings, dropping six points from the last nine available. Rio Ave have struggled to impose themselves on the road this season and we predict Marreco's men will do just enough to come away with all three points.
> Primeira Liga preview: Farense vs Rio Ave
Famalicao vs. Estrela Amadora (Saturday, 3.30pm)
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Struggling Famalicao will welcome Estrela Amadora to Estadio Municipal on Saturday afternoon for matchday 19 of the Primera Liga, hoping to turn their fortunes around.
Vila Nova head into this fixture following a humbling 4-0 defeat to Benfica, a result that extended their winless run in the top flight to eight matches and nine across all competitions.
We say: Famalicao 1-1 Estrela Amadora
Both sides head into this encounter off the back of poor form, with Famalicao still searching for their rhythm despite a managerial change and Estrela winless in their last three outings.
While the visitors have struggled on the road, Fama's home record under Olivera has been far from impressive, making a draw the most likely outcome between these two out-of-sorts teams.
> Primeira Liga preview: Famalicao vs Estrela Amadora
Casa Pia vs. Benfica (Saturday, 6.00pm)
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Fresh off the most dramatic Champions League encounter in midweek, Benfica resume Primeira Liga action on Saturday when they travel to Casa Pia for their 19th match of the competition.
The Eagles suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 home defeat to Spanish side Barcelona on Tuesday, having squandered a two-goal lead with 12 minutes remaining.
We say: Casa Pia 2-3 Benfica
Despite Casa Pia's impressive league form, Benfica remain the favourites for this encounter, considering their dominant record against the hosts.
The Geese will look to stand firm, but with the visitors' attacking firepower, the odds are tilted in their favour, making an away win the most likely outcome.
> Primeira Liga preview: Casa Pia vs Benfica
Sporting Lisbon vs. Nacional (Saturday, 8.30pm)
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Facing one of their favourite opponents in the Primera Liga, league leaders Sporting Lisbon welcome Nacional to Estadio Jose Alvalade on Saturday evening for matchday 19.
The Lions approach the weekend after a 2-1 defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League, just three days after Martin Lasarte's men edged past AVS at Gran Parque Central.
We say: Sporting Lisbon 3-1 Nacional
Despite still finding their feet under new manager Borges, Sporting have shown encouraging form in the league recently, winning two of their last three matches, and this, coupled with the visitors' dismal away record, suggests a home victory is on the cards.
> Primeira Liga preview: Sporting Lisbon vs Nacional
Ben Knapton
