SC Farense vs Leiria Prediction & Betting Tips (21 December)

SC Farense will welcome União de Leiria at the Estádio de São Luís on December 21, 2025, in what promises to be a compelling Liga Portugal 2 clash. Farense have been in the spotlight recently, not only for their fluctuating league form but also for their emphatic cup victory against Silves in late November, where they triumphed 5-1. That result showcased their attacking depth, though inconsistency has been a recurring theme. Just weeks earlier, they fell 3-1 to Sporting CP B, underlining the challenges of maintaining momentum. The Faro-based side has nevertheless shown resilience, bouncing back with a 2-0 win over Vizela earlier this month, a result that restored confidence among supporters and highlighted their ability to respond positively after setbacks.

Leiria, meanwhile, arrive with mixed fortunes of their own. In early December, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Penafiel, a match where defensive lapses proved costly. However, they demonstrated fighting spirit in a 2-2 draw against Benfica B and a 1-1 stalemate with Lusitânia Lourosa, both of which showed their capacity to grind out results against technically strong opponents. Their most notable recent win came against S.U. 1º Dezembro, where they secured a 3-1 victory, displaying sharpness in attack and a willingness to press high. Over the past two months, Leiria’s campaign has been marked by inconsistency, but their ability to remain competitive in tight matches suggests they will not be easy visitors in Faro.

The historical context between these two clubs adds further intrigue. Farense and Leiria have crossed paths multiple times in Liga Portugal 2, with Farense often enjoying the upper hand at home. Their last meeting in July 2025 ended in a 2-0 victory for Farense, a result that reinforced their dominance at the Estádio de São Luís. Yet, Leiria’s squad has matured since then, with younger players stepping into key roles and foreign signings adding depth. Farense, on the other hand, have leaned on experienced campaigners to steady their form, particularly in midfield, where control and composure have been vital. Both teams enter this fixture with ambitions of climbing the table, and the balance of youthful energy versus seasoned experience could define the rhythm of the game.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s encounter, the tactical battle is expected to be tight, with Farense likely to push forward aggressively in front of their home crowd while Leiria aim to exploit counterattacking opportunities. Given Farense’s recent ability to score freely, especially in their cup exploits, and Leiria’s tendency to concede but also respond with goals of their own, the match could be decided by fine margins. Our prediction leans toward a 2-1 victory for SC Farense, reflecting their stronger home record and sharper attacking edge. While Leiria will surely test them, particularly in transitions, Farense’s resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments should see them edge this contest by the narrowest of margins.