Topik: Benfica, V.Guimaraes, Portuguese League
Saturday will bring together two very tough opponents that usually give each other a hard time. For Benfica, another victory to keep the top spot will be important.

Normally the matches between Benfica and Guimaraes are very animated and hard fought. Saturday's game will certainly fall into that category as the Minhotos look to get their first league win at the Estadio da Luz since the 2008/09 season.

With the presidential elections done and dusted for Benfica, Jorge Jesus' team reacted very well with  a convincing result against Gil Vicente. 

 

Three goals for the Encarnados with no response from Gil gave Benfica added confidence after tasting defeat against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Champions League.

 

Jorge Jesus will try to recover Salvio and Nico Gaitan for Saturday, knowing that he won't have Enzo Perez available due to suspension.

 

 

Guimarães manager Rui Vitória already spoke about the match and although he knows Benfica are the favorites, he believes his side can have a say in the final result.

 

"We try to win every game, regardless of our opponent. We have an optimistic vision for this match, but we know that our options are different than those of Benfica. We are going to face a very difficult opponent but we have our chances," said Rui Vitória.

 

Of the seven matches played thus far, Guimarães has only lost to Porto away and at home against Braga.

 

Previous Matches

 

02-20-12 Guimarães 1-0 Benfica (League)

01-03-12 Guimarães 1-4 Benfica (League Cup)

09-10-11 Benfica 2-1 Guimarães (League)

02-13-11 Benfica 3-0 Guimarães (League)

09-10-10 Guimarães 2-1 Benfica (League)

01-30-10 Benfica 3-1 Guimarães (League)

 

Prediction

 

Benfica presented themselves very well in Barcelos where normally the 'bigger' clubs have difficulties. Jorge Jesus' squad looked to have more energy, which they have been lacking as of late.

 

With the injection of new faces such as Luisinho and Andre Gomes, Benfica is now a more Portuguese side and more balance from front to back.

 

The Portuguese midfielder is able to help Matic in his offensive and defensive duties, which Enzo Perez does, but not in the most efficient way. Perez is clearly a player with offensive characteristics while Andre Gomes can occupy defensive space with ease and confidence.

 

With the result Benfica manager last week and with more confidence heading into this match, Rui Vitória will have to make sure he prepares his game plan well.

 

The Minhotos know what to expect at the Estádio da Luz, which points to a well balanced and disputed match with a number of goal scoring chances for both sides.

 

Benfica 2-0 Guimarães