SC Farense will host Arouca in the La Liga on Monday. Although it is still early in the season, both clubs are focused on surviving when they play each other in the top tier for the first time ever.
Preview (SC Farense vs. Arouca)
In preparation for the match, Farense is in better shape, and their Primeira Liga comeback is going rather nicely. Last Saturday, Jose Mota’s team played Rio Ave. and provided their fans with an exciting afternoon. They won 4-3 under unusual circumstances. Although Farense had an early lead, they quickly found themselves behind 2-1. By the 89th minute, Rio Ave had taken a 3-2 lead. Claudio Falcao and Rui Costa scored two incredible late goals to break the deadlock. Farense emerged victorious, taking the three points from the jaws of defeat. Farense was suffering from an ugly cup exit the week before at the hands of second-tier strugglers Vilaverdense.
It was only the second victory of the season for their opponents. Vilaverdense’s only other victory came against CD Ponte, an amateur team. Mota’s defense is still a problem; in their last five games, they have given up 10 goals. It has significantly contributed to three losses. Viktor Gyokeres scored five of those goals as Sporting Lisbon defeated Farense 3-2 and 4-2 in the league and cup, respectively. Mota’s team is four points ahead of their opponents. They are presently occupying the relegation playoff slot, going into the match. As the most ineffective team in the division, Arouca has seen a dramatic decline in the standings.
Arouca has dropped its last five games after going undefeated in their first four games and earning six points. In that time, Daniel Ramos has watched his team score just one goal against a 10-man Sporting team that still defeated them. The only notable victories for Arouca this season have been two cup victories over lower-division teams and a draw at Porto. Their only other league success came against Estoril on opening day. Sporting was one of only four teams to defeat them during this winless streak. The other teams were Casa Pia, Famalicao, Chaves, and Moreirense. These are teams they must defeat if they are to survive this season. Things need to turn around as soon as possible.
Team News
Bruno Duarte will start in the attacking role since Cape Verde striker Ze Luis is doubtful for this match due to an injury sustained last midweek. American Benji Michel will not play for Arouca because of an ACL injury he sustained at the close of the previous campaign.
Ignacio de Arruabarrena is expected to return to goalkeeping after Cup goalkeeper Thiago started the last League Cup match against Benfica. Recent high-scoring matches involving Farense have resulted in goals. There have been 14 goals scored in the three prior games between the two teams. The scores of the two teams’ second-tier 2018–19 matchups were 2-2 and 3-3, however, Arouca is terribly out of form, thus they might not win this time.
SC Farense 3 – 1 Arouca
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