Benfica vs Porto – News and Probable Lineups

Benfica has a vital chance to cut down their gap to the top of the Primeira Liga as they host league leaders Porto at Estadio da Luz for Saturday’s O’Classico.

This will be the third encounter of the season between the two sides, with the Eagles managing a goalless draw in their league encounter at Estadio do Dragao in October, followed by a 1–0 defeat in the Taca de Portugal at the same stadium in January.

Match overview

Benfica’s exit from the Taca de Portugal at the hands of Porto marked the second consecutive disappointment, having been ousted from the League Cup semi-finals by Braga just a week earlier, which has diminished their chances for silverware in Jose Mourinho’s second term at the club.

The Portuguese head coach recently witnessed his team exit the Champions League playoffs after losing 3–1 on aggregate, capped off by a 2–1 defeat in the return leg against Real Madrid, thereby concluding their run in yet another tournament.

As a result, Benfica’s sole focus now lies on the Primeira Liga, where they rebounded from their European exit with a 2–1 league win over Gil Vicente last weekend. Andreas Schjelderup netted a winner in the 73rd minute, after Antonio Silva had opened the scoring, only for it to be equalized.

Currently enjoying a four-match winning streak in the Portuguese top flight, the Eagles haven’t lost in 39 league games (W28, D11), dating back to their defeat against Casa Pia on Matchday 19 of the previous season.

Even though they are the only side yet to taste defeat in the league this season, Benfica finds themselves in third place in the Primeira Liga, four points behind second-placed Sporting Lisbon and seven adrift of leaders Porto. This weekend’s Classico presents the Reds with a direct opportunity to narrow that gap and bolster their title aspirations.

Having won their last five league matches at Da Luz, the Eagles should feel confident heading into this crucial encounter, especially given they have secured victories in the last two times they hosted this matchup.

On the other hand, Porto has experienced a dip in form when playing away, as the Dragons have failed to secure a victory in three of their last four away matches (D1, L2), with the latest being a 1–0 defeat to Sporting on Tuesday in the first leg of their Taca de Portugal semi-final.

This defeat followed a 3–1 league win over Estoril Praia, where the Blue and Whites clinched maximum points in stoppage time, thanks to William Jose scoring from the penalty spot before Terem Moffi sealed the victory moments later with his first goal for the team.

Presently on a three-game winning streak in the Primeira Liga, Françasco Farioli’s side has gathered maximum points from 21 of their 24 league matches (D2, L1), an impressive record putting them four points ahead of second-placed Sporting.

As the Lions play a day earlier against fourth-placed Braga, Porto could see their lead reduced before they even take to the pitch and will hope to maintain their position at the top, bolstered by an impressive record of 11 wins from 12 away league matches, establishing them as the best travelling team in the league.

Defensively, the Blue and Whites are unmatched this season, having conceded the fewest goals in the Primeira Liga (8) while also recording the most clean sheets (17), hoping that their defensive strength proves pivotal at Da Luz on Sunday.

Team News

Benfica is concerned about the fitness of Fredrik Aursnes, who exited last weekend’s match against Gil Vicente early, putting the Norwegian midfielder’s availability in question for Sunday’s Classico.

Also doubtful is Georgiy Sudakov, who missed that match with a back issue, while Bruma might miss his fourth game in succession, and Joao Veloso continues to deal with a shoulder injury.

Having gone four games without finding the net, Vangelis Pavlidis will be eager to rediscover his scoring form and aims to add to his tally of 20 league goals, sitting just two behind Sporting’s Luis Suarez in the race for the Golden Boot.

On the other hand, Porto looks to have a shortage in attack, with Samu Omorodion and Luuk de Jong both ruled out for the season due to knee injuries, while winger Borja Sainz could be unavailable for a third consecutive match due to personal reasons.

Defensively, the Dragons will again be without long-term absentee Nehuen Perez, who is recuperating from an Achilles tendon injury, and Jan Bednarek remains uncertain after his early exit in the Portuguese Cup loss to Sporting.

The veteran centre-back Thiago Silva has missed the last three matches because of injury, although he is nearing a return, and it would not be surprising if the 41-year-old sees some minutes this weekend.

Benfica probable starting XI:

Trubin; Dedic, A Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Barreiro; Prestianni, Rafa Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis

Porto probable starting XI:

D Costa; A Costa, Rosario, Kiwior, Zaidu; Froholdt, Varela, Veiga; Pepe, Gul, Pietuszewski

Benfica is determined to secure all three points to revive their title push and enters this match with the advantage of fresher legs, as Porto may feel the strain from consecutive high-profile away fixtures.

The Eagles recorded a 4–1 victory the last time they faced this opponent at home, but this clash is anticipated to be closer given Porto’s solid defensive setup.