In this Benfica vs FC Arouca preview, we look at an interesting clash as Primeira Liga giants Benfica welcome FC Arouca to the iconic Estádio da Luz this Saturday evening for what promises to be a David vs. Goliath encounter. Benfica, currently 3rd in the table and unbeaten in the league, are coming off a disappointing 3-0 midweek loss to Newcastle in the Champions League and will be desperate to make a statement. They face an 11th-placed Arouca side that has struggled for consistency and possesses one of the leakiest defences in the league, having already conceded 19 goals.
For punters, this match preview highlights a classic home-banker scenario, but the betting value lies in the margin of victory. Given the H2H record, all signs point to a dominant home performance, and you can find the best handicap markets for this game on Betano.
Benfica Vs FC Arouca match preview/Betting preview
Team Recent Form
Benfica’s recent form has been mixed, with their perfect league run being interrupted by tough European nights. Arouca, meanwhile, finally found a win in the Taça de Portugal after a difficult league patch.
- Benfica (All Competitions): WLDWL
- FC Arouca (All Competitions): WLDLW
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Key stats
- One-Sided History: Benfica have won 17 of the last 20 meetings between these two clubs (D2, L1).
- Fortress of Light: Benfica have scored at least two goals in 13 consecutive matches against Arouca in all competitions.4
- Leaky Defence: FC Arouca has one of the worst defensive records in the Primeira Liga this season, conceding 19 goals in just 8 matches.5
Correct Score Prediction
My prediction is a 4-0 victory for Benfica.
This prediction is based on the huge gulf in quality and the brutal head-to-head history. Benfica are wounded from their midweek Champions League defeat and will be looking to take their frustrations out on a domestic opponent. Arouca is the perfect victim. Their defence is porous, and they are visiting a stadium where they have been historically dominated. Benfica have won their last six meetings, and five of those were by a margin of two or more goals. With Arouca’s key defenders out, I expect Benfica’s star-studded attack to score early and often.
Benfica Vs FC Arouca H2H
- Benfica have won 5 of the last 6 meetings, with the other being a draw.
- Benfica have scored 17 goals in the last 6 H2H matches, conceding just 3.
- The last time Arouca won this fixture was in 2015.
- Benfica have kept a clean sheet in 4 of the last 6 encounters against Arouca.
Pre-game odds
- Benfica Win: 1.14
- Draw: 7.50
- FC Arouca Win: 16.00
(Odds are approximate from Betano and are subject to change)
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Team news Benfica
Benfica’s squad has been hit by several injuries. Key right-back Alexander Bah is out with a cruciate ligament injury, and winger Bruma is also sidelined with an Achilles tendon issue. Midfielder Manu Silva is also unavailable. Defender Amar Dedić is listed as doubtful after picking up a knock against Newcastle, which could force a shuffle at the back.
Team news FC Arouca
Arouca’s defensive problems are compounded by injuries. Starting centre-back José Fontán is unavailable, a significant blow for a team already struggling to keep goals out. Midfielder David Simão is also out with a broken leg, robbing the team of its experienced captain.
Predicted line up for both teams
- Benfica (4-2-3-1):
Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, Silva, Dahl; Barrenechea, Ríos; Lukebakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis - FC Arouca (4-3-3):
Valido; Esgaio, Popović, Monteiro, Solà; Fukui, Gozálbez, Djouahra; Trezza, Puche, Jansonas
Benfica Vs FC Arouca betting tips
- Tip 1 – Result: Benfica -2 Handicap
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both team to score: No
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Disclaimer: All betting tips and predictions are based on expert analysis and statistical data. However, outcomes in sports are unpredictable. Please gamble responsibly.
