We’re of the opinion that Arouca will surely be able to score against this Benfica outfit, but that may not be as many as they’ll concede. We can see a narrow 2-1 win for Benfica when all is said and done. Let’s wait and see how it plays out
SL Benfica will start the Primeira Liga season with a lot of confidence after beating Midjtylland 4-1 in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. With Roger Schmidt, the team has improved a lot, and there are hopes of winning the championship after a season below expectations. FC Arouca's main goal will be to stay in the Primeira Liga and will have a difficult obstacle to overcome in the first round. After all, they have never won at the Estádio da Luz and lost every game here for the last eight years. This should be a one-sided match, with SL Benfica looking for victory from the outset and FC Arouca defending deep and in numbers. Even if the home side don't score early, they are expected to break the resistance of their opponent sooner or later. A home win is expected here. 3:0
Gonçalo Ramos and David Neres were protagonists in SL Benfica's victory over Midjtylland and will be full of confidence here. New signing Alexander Bah might replace Gilberto at right-back. Morato conceded a penalty last time out and could be replaced by Vertonghen at centre-back. With Galovic injured, Armando Evangelista should partner João Basso with Sema Velázquez at the heart of the defence. If recovered, David Simão will be part of the FC Arouca engine room alongside Pedro Moreira and new signing Vitinho. Otherwise, Alan Ruiz could be moved to the middle of the park.
Benfica have won their last 6 home matches against Arouca in all competitions. Benfica have scored at least 2 goals in their last 8 home matches against Arouca in all competitions. There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Benfica's last 5 games (Liga Portugal). Benfica have been winning at both half time and full time in 5 of their last 6 matches against Arouca in all competitions. Arouca have lost their last 3 away matches (Liga Portugal). There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Arouca's last 6 games (Liga Portugal). Arouca have lost with a 1 goal margin in their last 3 away matches (Liga Portugal).