Sunday's late game brings Santa Clara and Arouca together at the Estádio de São Miguel. The Azores-based side have been one of the surprise packages of the season and will look to consolidate their impressive form.
Santa Clara's Remarkable Season
Fresh from promotion, Santa Clara have defied expectations and established themselves as a genuine contender for European places. Their home form has been exceptional, with the remote Azorean location making trips to São Miguel daunting for visiting teams.
The island club have combined solid defensive work with clinical finishing, a combination that has seen them punch well above their weight against more established teams.
Arouca's Struggles
In contrast, Arouca have found life difficult in the Primeira Liga this season. Points have been hard to come by, and the long journey to the Azores represents a significant challenge for a team already struggling for form.
Manager Gonzalo García needs to find a formula that can extract results from his squad, as time is running out to turn their season around before the winter break.
Island Fortress
Santa Clara's home record speaks for itself. The combination of passionate support, travel fatigue for opponents, and their own excellent form makes them overwhelming favorites.
Prediction: Santa Clara to extend their excellent home run. 2-0
