Benfica come into this match having beaten Braga 0:2 away from home and they will be hoping to extend the good run against Academica, who have only managed to gather seven points out of 11 games. The most interesting thing about Academica is the fact that they have drawn their last four consecuetive games with a 1:1 score-line.
Based on their overall performance, Benfica are clearly the favourites in this fixture. The Eagles are more superior when they play at home and their opponents are weaker when they play away. The hosts boast of the likes of Nicolas Gaitan, Eduardo Salvio and Jonas, who is also the top scorer in the Primeira Liga with eight goals, while the visitors have the likes of Rui Pedro, Emidio Rafael and Nii Plange.
A win for Benfica will not change their current league position, but will bridge the gap between them and leaders Sporting.
The Students are hoping to pull a surprise win against their opponents on Friday. If they win this fixture, they could ascend up to the 14th position on the log, consequently leaving the relegation zone. On the other hand, Rui Vitoria’s men need to catch up with league leaders Sporting, who are eight points above them.
Academica sit at the relegation zone in Premeira Liga but a win could propel them out of the danger zone.
Team news
Benfica
Star forward Jonas, who has already played against their weekday opponents twice last season, believes his club will beat the lowly-ranked Academica. During an interview with the Portuguese press, the current top scorer with eight goals in 11 appearances was confident that his side would deliver good results against their opponents to narrow the gap between them and their rivals Sporting.
Academica
Manager Fillipe Guoveia claims that his men are heading to the Stadium of Light to collect maximum points against the Portuguese giants. With no major injury concerns, the Students might pull a surprise win against their hosts.
Which channel is broadcasting Benfica vs Academica on TV or Online?
- USA: on Premium Sports Broadband, fuboTV and NGSN USA
- Canada: on Premium Sports Canada
- Portugal: on Benfica TV Portugal
Tune in to Premium Sports Broadband, fuboTV or NGSN USA in the USA to watch Benfica vs Academica at exactly 15:30 EST. In Canada, the Premeira Liga action will be aired live on Premium Sports Canada starting from 15:30 EST. In Portugal, watch Benfica vs Academica live from the Stadium of Light on Benfica TV Portugal on December 4, 2015, at 20:30 WET.
In any other country apart from the USA, Canada and UK, check our live broadcast page for additional broadcast info.
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change
Head to head
- The two sides have played 19 times against each other
- Out of their last 19 meetings, Benfica have won 14 times, drawn twice and lost thrice
- Benfica have scored a total of 41 goals against their Friday opponents
- Academica have scored a total of 13 goals against their hosts
Form guide
Benfica: WWWLW
Academica: DDDDW
Probable lineups
Benfica: Cesar, Lopez, Eliseu, Silvio, Jardel, Samaris, Sanchez, Jimenez, Jonas, Guedes, Pizzi
Academica: Trigueira, de Lima Silva, Piloto, Iago Santos, Rafael, Plange, Alexandre, Obiora, Bouadla, Pedro, Pacienca
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
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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