Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon: Preview, Predictions, Team News, and Lineups
The Lisbon Derby is set to take center stage on Friday as Benfica hosts Sporting Lisbon at Estadio da Luz. This match marks the opening of matchday 13 in the Primeira Liga. The encounter is significant, following their Super Cup meeting in July, where Benfica took a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis.
Match Overview: Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon
The rivalry between these two clubs continues to intensify. Benfica’s recent Super Cup win was a welcome reprieve from last season, where they fell short to Sporting in both the Taca da Portugal and Primeira Liga. Heading into this clash, Benfica aims to close the three-point gap with Sporting, as Porto currently leads the table by six points.
Current Form and Statistics
- Benfica: Currently sitting third in the league, they remain one of the two unbeaten teams this season.
- Primeira Liga Record: 12 matches played, with 4 draws contributing to their struggle to convert draws into wins.
- Home Form: Only 50% win rate at home with three draws from six matches.
- Latest Matches: Benfica has won their last three competitions, including a comeback 2-1 win over Nacional.
- Sporting Lisbon: Boasting an impressive run, they’ve secured victories in their last four matches.
- Primeira Liga Record: 12 matches played; 10 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.
- Latest Match: A dominant 4-0 victory against Estrela Amadora, highlighted by Luis Suarez’s brace.
- Away Form: Sporting maintains a perfect away record this season with six victories.
Team News and Player Updates
Benfica faces some key injuries. Alexander Bah and Dodi Lukebakio are still recuperating from surgeries, while Bruma is recovering from an Achilles rupture. Richard Rios returns after suspension and could feature in the starting lineup alongside Enzo Barrenechea. Vangelis Pavlidis leads the scoring charts and aims to add to his tally.
Sporting’s injury list includes Fotis Ioannidis and Zeno Debast, but Pedro Goncalves is back in contention after an injury layoff. Key players like Luis Suarez are expected to lead the attack, looking to maintain their scoring form.
Potential Lineups
| Benfica | Sporting Lisbon |
|---|---|
| Trubin | Silva |
| Dahl | Araujo |
| Otamendi | Inacio |
| A Silva | Quaresma |
| Dedic | Fresneda |
| Rios | Morita |
| Barrenechea | Hjulmand |
| Aursnes | Catamo |
| Sudakov | Trincao |
| Schjelderup | Goncalves |
| Pavlidis | Suarez |
Conclusion
This matchup is poised to be a thrilling contest. Both teams are in great form and eager to assert dominance in the Lisbon Derby. A score draw seems likely, given the competitive nature and previous encounters, especially considering that three of the last four matches at Da Luz ended in similar results. Friday’s clash promises excitement for fans and players alike.
