Casa Pia host Benfica with both sides making wholesale changes from their usual line-ups, six and seven regulars missing respectively. Benfica’s depth is formidable and their rotated eleven still boasts the likes of Rafa Silva and Pavlidis, giving them a significant edge in the f…
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Sign inCasa Pia host Benfica on Monday, August 17, in the second round of the 2026-27 Primeira Liga season. Both sides are searching for their first victory of the campaign after contrasting starts on the opening weekend.
Casa Pia head coach Coelho has switched from the back three used under previous manager Pacheco to a four-man defence. Joao Goulart and Kaique Rocha are expected to continue their central-defensive partnership, with Andre Geraldes at right-back and Abdu Conte on the left. In midfield, new signing Gabi Pereira should start alongside Seba Perez and Lawrence Ofori. Henrique Araujo, who joined Casa Pia from Benfica during the summer, could make his first competitive start as the central striker, though veteran Cassiano – the club’s top scorer in last season’s survival campaign – is another option. Rochinha and Alassana Jatta are also pushing for attacking roles.
Benfica boss Marco Silva has no fresh injury concerns following the opening-day draw at home to Academico de Viseu. The Eagles fielded a strong side in that 2-2 stalemate and are likely to make only minor adjustments, with experienced figures such as Angel Di Maria and Joao Neves set to retain their places. Any rotation is expected in the wide areas, where the depth of Benfica’s squad gives Silva the chance to inject freshness against a compact Casa Pia defence.
Casa Pia opened their season with a 1-0 defeat away to newly promoted Maritimo on August 8. A second-half goal from Maritimo midfielder Raphael Guzzo decided a tight contest at Campo da Imaculada Conceicao. David Sousa and Alassana Jatta were booked for the visitors, who struggled to create clear-cut chances despite enjoying spells of possession. That result extended a difficult run that includes the relegation playoff escape at the end of last season.
Benfica were held to a surprise 2-2 home draw by Academico de Viseu on August 9. Despite dominating possession and creating a number of opportunities, the Eagles were punished by two well-taken goals from the promoted side. Marco Silva’s men had previously beaten Hearts 6-1 in a pre-season friendly, but the opening-day performance fell below expectations. The trip to Casa Pia offers an immediate chance to put that result behind them.
Araujo’s summer move across Lisbon adds intrigue to the contest. The 23-year-old striker came through Benfica’s youth system and made a handful of first-team appearances before seeking regular football. Should Coelho hand him a start, Araujo will be tasked with leading the line against the club where he began his professional career. His movement in the box and ability to link play will test a Benfica backline that conceded twice last weekend.
For Benfica, anything less than three points would raise early questions about their title challenge. The Eagles are expected to compete with Porto and Sporting for the championship, and a second successive slip-up against a team that narrowly avoided relegation last term would be an unwelcome setback. Casa Pia, meanwhile, are looking to avoid being dragged into another relegation scrap. A positive result at their home ground – even a draw – would provide a valuable platform after the narrow loss at Maritimo.
After this fixture, Benfica begin preparations for a Champions League qualifier, while Casa Pia travel to a fellow mid-table rival in round three.
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