Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
High-flying Benfica will be aiming to build on a 2-0 win over Vizela when they take on Famalicao on Matchday 23. The Eagles are on a six-game winning run in the Primeira Liga, and they are seen as hot favourites to beat Famalicao at Estadio da Luz. Both Mihailo Ristic and Julian Draxler are sidelined with injuries, while boss Roger Schmidt will be watching the game from the stands following his suspension in the last league match.
Os Azuis e Brancos, on the other hand, aim to build on back-to-back wins over Santa Clara and Portimonense, but seeing that Benfica are a real force to be reckoned with at home, we are tempted to put our money on the league leaders. Both Luis Rodriguez and Theo Fonseca are sidelined with injuries, but there are no suspended players in the away team.
Highlighted Player (Alex Grimaldo):
Alex Grimaldo is a Spanish footballer who plays for Portuguese side Benfica as a left back. Born in Valencia on September 20, 1995, Grimaldo started his youth career at his hometown club FC Valencia, but in 2008 Barcelona scouts brought him to Camp Nou.
The 171-cm-tall footballer scored six goals in 92 appearances for Barca B before joining Primeira Liga club Benfica in the winter of 2015. Alex Grimaldo made his debut with the Eagles on January 26, 2016 in a 6-1 win at Moreirense in the Taca da Liga. Speaking of his Primeira Liga debut, Grimaldo played his first league game for Benfica on February 29, 2016 in a 2-0 win over Uniao Leiria.
The Benfica defender has two caps for Spain U21 team, but he has yet to make his debut with the senior team. His main position is left-back, but he is capable of producing fine performances as a left winger as well.
Highlighted Team (Famalicao):
Founded on August 21, 1931, Famalicao are a Portuguese football club that compete in the Primeira Liga. The colour of their home kit is white, with the team wearing blue shirts and blue shorts when playing on the travels.
Famalicao welcome their rivals at Estadio Municipal 22 de Junho Vila Nova de Famalicao, the venue with the capacity of 5,307 people. The stadium was opened in 1952 and ever since has been serving as the team’s home ground. Famalicao are owned by Quantum Pacific Group, the company which has a 32% share of famous La Liga side Atletico Madrid as well.
The Azuis e Brancos secured promotion to Primeira Liga for the first time in the 1946/1947 season and they returned to the Portuguese elite division in 2019. Famalicao recorded a 2-0 win over Santa Clara on their return to the Portuguese top flight, with Toni Martinez and Anderson finding the net for the visitors.