Of the three title contenders, the reds are the first to enter the field, at the start of the season in which Roger Schmidt’s team has been playing unconvincing football and which has already earned them a defeat, on the first matchday, against Famalicão (2-0).
Luis Asué has shown himself to be one of the great maestros of the “canons”. Decisive, he is the one who tries to give the necessary encouragement to the team to go in search of more and better, supported by the midfield behind him.
Tiago Gouveia and Fredrik Aursnes are confirmed absentees – with the former being out for a long period due to a shoulder injury – and leaving big doubts about who will occupy the position.
After that, the “eagles” won at Luz against Casa Pia (17th, without any points) and Estrela da Amadora (14th, one point), but still without convincing, so today’s visit to Moreira de Cónegos, where they drew in 2023/24, assumes a high risk.
On the “canons” side, César Peixoto’s team has exactly the same six points as Benfica, with victories away against Farense and at home against Arouca, and a defeat, in the last round, in the visit to Sporting de Braga.
The game, which will be refereed by André Narciso, precedes the big duel of the fourth round and before the international break, which pits rivals Sporting and FC Porto against each other on Saturday (8:30 pm), leaders of the championship, along with Famalicão, all with a record of victories.
