On Monday, 23rd of January 2017, at 23:00, an encounter between Chaves and Nacional will conclude the program of the 18th round of Portuguese Primeira Liga, in Chaves, at Estádio Municipal Eng. Manuel Branco Teixeira.
Having earned the promotion to the elite division of Portuguese football last season, which by the way has become the 14th in the history of the club, Chaves are still the biggest surprise of the championship. With the initial goal for the season to remain in Primeira Liga, Chaves have finished the first half of the championship very well, keeping theoretical chances to be in the Eurocup zone. Chaves have been winning six matches in a row now, and within nine matches, they gained 14 points with the goal difference of 10:8.
Nacional, in their turn, being a typical middle-class team of the Portuguese championship, are performing quite poorly this season, and approaching the 18th round in the rank of outsider. Nacional still haven’t got any positive results in away matches, having gained only one point within the last 5 away matches. Nacional had a draw with Pacos de Ferreira 1:1, lost to Guimaraes 2:1 after that, Moreirense 3:1, Rio Ave 2:1 and Setubal 1:0 respectively.
The history of personal encounters between the teams has 6 matches, in which Nacional won twice, Chaves won twice as well, and another two matches finished in a draw. Chaves defeated Nacional 1:0 in the match of the first half of the season. Chaves play confidently at their home ground, losing last time back in the end of September to Benfica. Having won in the cup match against Sporting 1:0, on 17th January, Chaves will probably approach the forthcoming match with a mindset to win.
Prediction for the match: Chaves to win with 0.0 Asian handicap.
