Portuguese giants Benfica continue with their hunt for the title when they visit Estoril on Saturday for their 18th round of matches in the Primiera Liga. Benfica are currently sitting on the second position on the log, with four points behind their fierce rivals Sporting. On the other hand, Estoril sit on the 11th position on the log with 20 points from 17 matches.
The hosts have won five matches, drawn five and lost seven while their visitors have lost thrice, drawn once and won 13 times in this season’s campaign.
However, despite the huge difference between the two sides in terms of performance, Estoril coach Fabiano Soares believes his men could upset the Primeira Liga bigwigs over the weekend. Speaking during a pre-match conference, the 49-year-old former Brazil international said:
''Benfica have a lethal attack force that can easily create goals, but with the support of our fans, we will prevent them from scoring. We intend to get a different result from the one we got at the Stadium of Light. We hope to surprise them.’’
He was referring to the previous game between the two clubs which was played at Benfica’s backyard when the hosts won 4-0. Although he did not reveal his strategy ahead of the game, he hinted that Mendy and Leo Bonatini could start up front.
He added:
''It is motivating to play against Benfica. Playing with two strikers (Mendy and Leo) is also an option, but I will not reveal more details because it is meant to be a surprise. I can also imagine the surprise Rui Vitoria (Benfica manager) has for us.’’
He also heaped praise on Benfica forward Jonas, who has been in instrumental for his side this season. .jpg)
The Canaries come into this fixture having being eliminated from the Taca de Portugal by Rio Ave on Wednesday. However, the Brazilian tactician mentioned that this would not affect their performance since his side had already forgotten about the past:
''We are not afraid to play three days after our last game; I think we will be well and with the support of the fans and knowing the way of played here at home, we can give an answer. The criticism is normal; I am also upset after the elimination. But we have a good championship season so far at the middle of the table and we hope to work hard to achieve even greater results.’’
Head to head
- In their last 10 matches Estoril have lost nine and drawn one
- Benfica on the other hand have scored a total of 26 goals against Estoril in their last 10 meetings
- Estoril have scored only seven goals against Benfica in their last 10 meetings
- This fixture registers an average of 2.5 goals per match
Quick facts
- Benfica has never failed to score against Estoril in their last 10 matches
- The highest score line in this fixture in their last 10 meetings was 6-0 in favour of Benfica
- Benfica’s longest winning run in the Primiera Liga is nine matches
- Estoril’s longest winning run is two matches
- Benfica’s longest clean sheets is 15 matches compared to Estoril’s eight
Which channel is broadcasting Estoril vs Benfica on TV or online?
- USA: Sport TV Americas, NGSN USA, Univision Deportes USA, Premium Sports Broadband, fuboTV
- Canada: Premium Sports Canada, Sport TV Americas
- Portugal: Sport TV1
Watch Estoril vs Benfica live in the USA on Sport TV Americas, NGSN USA, Univision Deportes USA, Premium Sports Broadband and fuboTV at 15:45 EST. In Canada, the Primeira Liga match will be aired live on Premium Sports Canada and Sport TV Americas starting from 15:45 EST. In Portgual, catch the action live on January 16, 2016 on Sport TV1 at exactly 20:45 WET. If you live in any other country apart from the aforementioned, visit our live broadcast page for additional broadcast information.
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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