FC Arouca vs Benfica Prediction: The Arouquenses Are No Match For The Eagles

FC Arouca will welcome Benfica to the Estadio Municipal de Arouca in the 16th round of the Primeira Liga.

Benfica have been dominant in this fixture, losing just one of their last sixteen matches, and will be out to further establish that dominance by securing a comfortable win as they maintain their pursuit of the leading position in the Primeira Liga standings.

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between FC Arouca vs. Benfica, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

FC Arouca

Form: WWDWL

For Arouca, December did them some justice, showering down abundant blessings, as this will forever remain imprinted as an unforgettable month. Besides going unbeaten in four matches (W3 D1), they managed to sign off 2023 with a two-match winning streak for the first time this season since May 2022.

The Arouquenses have not had a stellar start to the season so far as the numbers speak for themselves, picking up four wins from fifteen matches played in the Primeira Liga, and in fifteen matches last season, they were 22 points up, a downgrade of six points this season, making for a more improved showing if they are to avoid a relegation battle, which they already find themselves in at the moment.

Having picked up 16 points from 15 matches, FC Arouca sits tenth in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with three other teams below them and four points clear of the drop zone.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

de Arruabarrena; Milovanov, Galovic, Montero, Esgaio; Jason, Simao, Eboue, Sylla; Mujica, Gonzalez

Benfica

Form: WWDDW

Coming off an eight-day mini-festive season break, Roger Schmidt would have been a bit concerned about his side's performance against Famalicao; however, the Eagles were able to bid farewell to the holiday vibes lingering in their minds by eking out a 3-0 win at home. Although lacking the label of a convincing win, certain aspects made it a noteworthy outcome.

This marked their fourth consecutive win across all competitions, having seen off AVS in the third matchday of the Taça da Liga with a 4-1 scoreline at home booking themselves a spot in the semi-final, where they'll get to face off Estoril Praia eighteen days from now. However, a slight glimpse at the bigger picture sees Roger Schmidt's men basking in a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions (W6 D3), a run they'll feel confident in extending to ten matches in this upcoming encounter.

Having accumulated 36 points from 15 matches played, Benfica sits second in the Primeira Liga standings and has been dancing under relentless pressure as they trail third-placed FC Porto by two points, while only a mere one point separates them from first place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Aursnes, A Silva, Araujo, Morato; Neves, Kokcu; Gouveia, R Silva, Mario; Cabral

Match Facts

• A red card has been shown in 8 out of FC Arouca's recent 15 Primeira Liga matches.
• Benfica have opened the scoring in seven of their eight away matches in the Primeira Liga.
• FC Arouca averages 1.25 goals per game when playing at home and Benfica averages 1.75 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 16 meetings, FC Arouca claimed 1 victory, while Benfica emerged victorious 14 times, resulting in 1 draw. Benfica leads with a goal difference of 43–8.

Expert Betting Tips

FC Arouca have not had much luck when it comes to this fixture, losing nine consecutive matches, with their last win dating back to August 23, 2015. Given that they have also had some difficulties this season with their floundering form, little is expected from them in this one except a convincing defeat.

With Sporting CP and FC Porto playing a day earlier than them, there is a chance that Benfica could fall to the third position before this, and anything other than a win will not be acceptable in this case. Therefore, we anticipate the away side to pick up maximum points in this one, with the total going under 3.5, as this has been the case in four of their last away matches in which they clinched victories.

• W2 & TU 3.5 for 2.26
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.86
• Corners - Over 9 for 1.72