The game of the weekend in Portugal takes place on the island of Madeira on Sunday. Marítimo attempt to repeat last weekend's Portuguese Cup triumph over Benfica, this time in the Liga ZON Sagres.
The islanders inflicted Benfica's first defeat of 2011/12 in that Cup game and the hosts will go into the game full of confidence. Marítimo themselves have lost just once all season, way back in August, and are unbeaten in their last 15 matches.
Marítimo striker Baba is currently the liga's top goalscorer. The Senegalese marksman has hit 12 goals in all competitions this season. Playing alongside the excellent Sami and Danilo Dias, there is no doubting the attacking potency of Pedro Martins' team.
"We're not going to change our philosophy and we'll play to win, as always," said Martins. "We know that our opponents are strong and the big teams don't like to lose twice in a row to the same team, especially in such a short space of time. Benfica will definitely be more focused, but we are ready for them."
Benfica captain Luisão is still out injured, as is midfield creator Gaitán who picked up a knock in Benfica's Champions League victory against Romanian side Otelul Galati in midweek.
"We're going there to win," categorically said Benfica boss Jorge Jesus. "We have the ability to bring back three points, but we know Marítimo are a strong team. It's not a question of revenge. We have the responsibility to win - nothing more."
Kick-off at 8.15pm local time at the Estádio de Barreiros, Funchal, Madeira.
Marítimo striker Baba is currently the liga's top goalscorer. The Senegalese marksman has hit 12 goals in all competitions this season. Playing alongside the excellent Sami and Danilo Dias, there is no doubting the attacking potency of Pedro Martins' team.
"We're not going to change our philosophy and we'll play to win, as always," said Martins. "We know that our opponents are strong and the big teams don't like to lose twice in a row to the same team, especially in such a short space of time. Benfica will definitely be more focused, but we are ready for them."
Benfica captain Luisão is still out injured, as is midfield creator Gaitán who picked up a knock in Benfica's Champions League victory against Romanian side Otelul Galati in midweek.
"We're going there to win," categorically said Benfica boss Jorge Jesus. "We have the ability to bring back three points, but we know Marítimo are a strong team. It's not a question of revenge. We have the responsibility to win - nothing more."
Kick-off at 8.15pm local time at the Estádio de Barreiros, Funchal, Madeira.
