Champions Benfica to kick-off title defence with a victory
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On Wednesday night, Portuguese champions Benfica kick-off the defence of their title, as they welcome Sporting Braga to the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica are the most successful club in the history of the Portuguese, having won the 36 titles in their history. Rui Vitoria’s side will be confident of adding another Portuguese title to their collection this season.
The Eagles head into this clash on the back of winning the Portuguese Super Cup on Saturday against Vitoria Guimaraes. The win followed three consecutive defeats in pre-season against Hull, Arsenal and RB Leipzig.
The champions are currently in the midst of a 15 game unbeaten run in the Portuguese top-flight. Their home form is very strong, as the Eagles are unbeaten in 23 league games on home soil, having recorded 20 wins in the process.
Benfica were also prolific in front of goal on home soil in the Portuguese top-flight, scoring two or more goals in 15 of their 16 games.
Sporting Braga head into this clash on the back of a 2-1 win over Swedish outfit AIK in the Europa League third qualifying round. Braga had a very short pre-season due to their European tie with AIK, which consisted of one defeat against Varzim.
The visitors finished last season in a poor fashion, losing four of their last five games in the Portuguese top-flight, whilst also conceding two or more goals in all four defeats.
Their end of season form on their travels was not great in the Primeira Liga either, as Braga lost their last three away games in the Portuguese top-flight. A trip to the Estadio da Luz is not exactly ideal to end a run away from home.
Benfica ended the last campaign in a strong fashion and Forebet predicts that the Portuguese champions will start this season off with a victory.
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