On Friday evening, archrivals Benfica and Porto clash at the Estadio da Luz in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
Team Form
Benfica
Benfica has experienced a recent period of underperformance. Despite being known for their high standards, they have yet to win the Primeira Liga title for the past three seasons.
However, the team has turned things around and is now on track to clinch their first top-flight triumph since 2018-19.
With just eight games remaining, Benfica has a commanding lead at the top of the league table, having only suffered one defeat in 26 matches and won 23 of them.
Moreover, they have kept eight clean sheets in their last 10 league matches, showcasing their strong defensive capabilities. The team has also won 12 of their last 13 games and has secured a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Benfica Primeira Liga Form: W W W W W
Porto
Despite Benfica’s impressive season, their rivals Porto also perform well in the Primeira Liga, having only suffered three defeats in 26 matches.
Porto has only lost two of their last 29 games across all competitions, with 13 wins in their last 17 matches.
Porto’s away form is particularly impressive, having avoided defeat in their last 11 away league games, winning four of their previous five Primeira Liga matches on the road.
This could give them the confidence to frustrate Benfica and close the gap between the two teams at the top of the league table.
With their strong recent form and away record, they will undoubtedly be a challenging opponent for Benfica for the remainder of the season.
Porto Primeira Liga Form: L W W D W
Squad Report
Benfica
Goncalo Guedes, a key forward, has been out of action due to a knee injury.
Additionally, Julian Draxler, who is on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, underwent ankle surgery and is expected to be unavailable for some time.
Meanwhile, Mihailo Ristic’s availability for the upcoming game is uncertain as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Porto
Porto must cope with several injury concerns as they prepare for their upcoming match against Benfica.
Joao Mario, a key midfielder, will be unavailable due to a knee issue, while veteran centre-back Pepe is also on the injured list.
Diogo Costa, Evanilson, and Zaidu Sanusi are all doubtful for the game, which will undoubtedly give coach Sergio Conceicao a selection headache as he decides on his starting lineup.
Benfica’s expected starting lineup:
Vlachodimos; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Chiquinho, Aursnes; Mario, Silva, Neres; Ramos
Porto’s expected starting lineup:
Ramos; Manafa, Cardoso, Marcano, Wendell; Pepe, Otavio, Uribe, Galeno; Martinez, Taremi
Head to Head
Benfica and Porto have a storied history, having faced each other in numerous high-stakes matches.
The two sides have played against each other 40 times, with Porto winning 20 of those games, losing 11, and drawing nine.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Friday, April 07
Time: 05:00 pm, UTC
Venue: Estadio Da Luz Stadium, Lisbon
Prediction
Despite Porto’s impressive record in recent O Classico matches, Benfica looks set to continue their march towards Primeira Liga glory with a hard-fought victory over their bitter rivals.
