Benfica travel to Marinha Grande to play Uniao de Leiria in the knowledge that victory will put them top of the Liga ZON Sagres table.
The Lisbon club have enjoyed an excellent season so far, with just one defeat in 27 matches in all competitions.
As usual, a major factor behind that success is big striker Oscar Cardozo. TheParaguayan has been a veritable goal machine since signing for Benfica, and has been especially prolific since Jorge Jesus took over as coach of the Portuguese giants in the summer of 2009.
In 110 games the beanpole centre-forward has notched up 75 goals under Jesus. He has hit another rich vein of form recently, scoring five times in his last four matches.
The Benfica coach is confident Cardozo and his team can extend their four-match winning run on Sunday. "Benfica started the year strongly. We are motivated, confident and we will do everything to win the game," said Jesus.
Leiria are languishing at the wrong end of the table, but have picked up since the appointment of Manuel Cajuda as head coach, and Jesus is certainly not expecting an easy game.
"Our opponents have won their last three matches at home and want to move away from the relegation zone. They have been turning things around, they have good players, and to win we will have to show a lot of quality," added the Benfica manager.
Indeed, Cajuda promised his side would be making life difficult for the title challengers. "Lots of things can happen. It's going to be a difficult game for Leiria, but I guarantee it's not going to be easy for Benfica," said the veteran Leiria coach.
Kick-off at at 8.15pm local time at the Estadio Municipal da Marinha Grande.
As usual, a major factor behind that success is big striker Oscar Cardozo. TheParaguayan has been a veritable goal machine since signing for Benfica, and has been especially prolific since Jorge Jesus took over as coach of the Portuguese giants in the summer of 2009.
In 110 games the beanpole centre-forward has notched up 75 goals under Jesus. He has hit another rich vein of form recently, scoring five times in his last four matches.
The Benfica coach is confident Cardozo and his team can extend their four-match winning run on Sunday. "Benfica started the year strongly. We are motivated, confident and we will do everything to win the game," said Jesus.
Leiria are languishing at the wrong end of the table, but have picked up since the appointment of Manuel Cajuda as head coach, and Jesus is certainly not expecting an easy game.
"Our opponents have won their last three matches at home and want to move away from the relegation zone. They have been turning things around, they have good players, and to win we will have to show a lot of quality," added the Benfica manager.
Indeed, Cajuda promised his side would be making life difficult for the title challengers. "Lots of things can happen. It's going to be a difficult game for Leiria, but I guarantee it's not going to be easy for Benfica," said the veteran Leiria coach.
Kick-off at at 8.15pm local time at the Estadio Municipal da Marinha Grande.
