With round three of the 2015/2016 Primeira Liga set to kick off this weekend, there have been some interesting developments in Portuguese football's top flight. After two rounds of action, the team at the top of the league table with a perfect six points is not one of the country's "Big 3". No, instead of reigning champions Benfica or title contenders Porto or Sporting, it's Arouca, a team who only achieved promotion to the top league for the first time in 2013 and finished in 16th last season.
Ahead of this weekend's fixtures, we take a look at two of the "Big Three" sides - Benfica and Sporting - as they prepare to face off against Moreirense and Academica respectively.
Benfica
Despite losing in the Portuguese Super Cup to rivals Sporting - made even more bitter due to the fact that former manager Jorge Jesus is now in charge there - the all-time Portuguese league champions began their title defense off well. On matchday one, they showed that they will really be the side to beat by thrashing Estoril 4-0, including scoring four goals in the span of 15 minutes after a tense, scoreless first 45.
However, the Águias were given a shock as Arouca, seemingly against all odds managed to score an early goal and not surprisingly, spent the entire match with everyone parked behind the ball. Rui Vitoria's men will be seeking to rebound after a frustrating loss that saw more yellow cards on both sides than goals as they welcome Moreirense.
Unfortunately for their opponents, who are still not just seeking their first league win but also their first goal of the season, the Verdes e Brancos (Green and whites) look set to be in for a long evening. Not surprisingly, it's Benfica who by far hold the historical advantage: out of their 15 games played since September 14, 2002 across all competitions, the hosts have won all but three of them.
In fact, Moreirense's best results were three 1-1 draws, with the most recent of these taking place during a December 2012 Taca da Liga clash. Current coach Miguel Leal will also hope that his side can keep clear heads, as in three out of their last five games against Benfica - all of which ended in losses - Moreirense had a man sent off.
Sporting
They might have thought they had one foot in the Champions League after defeating Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow at home, but Jorge Jesus's side were in for a rude awakening when they traveled to their opponents' home ground for the second play-off leg. Seydou Doumbia, back on loan at his former club after a disappointing spell with Roma, made amends for his penalty miss in the first leg by netting a brace to make sure that Zenit will not be the only Russian Premier League side featuring in this season's Champions League group stages.
Now having to try their luck in the Europa League, Sporting, who are seeking their first league title in over a decade will have to turn their attention back to domestic affairs. Like the other members of the "Big 3" trio, Sporting also dropped points on matchday two as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Paços de Ferreira.
Whilst the result may surprise some, Paços de Ferreira are a side that have managed to impress as of late. Despite finishing in eighth place last season, they did conclude the 2012/2013 Primeira Liga campaign in third and as a result, qualified for the 2013/2014 Champions League play-offs for the first time in their history.
Just like title rivals Benfica, Sporting will now be taking on a side who has yet to win a game or score a goal so far this season. Although Academica are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, they have in the past represented a banana peel for the Leões. In recent times dating back to October 2012, save for a 4-0 win during the 2013/2014 Primeira Liga term, Academica have managed to frustrate their opponents and have held them to draws in four out of their last six meetings.
Last season saw Sporting have to settle for a 1-1 draw before grinding out a tough 1-0 win in the same fixture at their home ground, so despite Academica's bad showings so far this season, expect them to try the same tactics to at least try for yet another draw - which would be one point one for them, but two lost for the visitors.
Are you a Primeira Liga fan? Make sure you don't miss out on Benfica vs. Moreirense, Academica vs. Sporting, and more Portuguese football action by bookmarking our special Primeira Liga page here at LiveSoccerTV.com. Here, you will be able to find all news and viewing information for your favorite Portuguese teams this weekend and throughout the season.
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