In an unusual match, that ended in the early stages of the second half due to the Belenenses SAD's lack of players, SL Benfica won 7-0 last weekend, which could be an advantage for Jorge Jesus' men, who will be well rested for Friday. Sporting CP claimed a routine home win against CD Tondela, beating them by 2-0. They will head into the derby on an 11-match winning run in all competitions and are expected to be confident despite having to play without João Palhinha and Coates, who have been crucial. SL Benfica have had more time to prepare for this match than their rivals, which could work in their favour. On the other hand, they will be more pressured to win this match since they're at risk of the current four-point gap at the top of the table extending. Nonetheless, the Eagles have won four of the last five derbies against Sporting CP, which could be a tough mental barrier to break for the Lions, whose defeat to their rivals prevented them from going undefeated in the league last season. On top of that, SL Benfica will be well-rested and will rely on home support to get an important victory. 2:1
Either Lazaro or Gilberto will start on the right hand side of the defence as Gonçalves and Radonjic remain injured. Seferovic made up for his spectacular miss against Barcelona with a brace against Belenenses SAD, but will likely return to the bench here. Everton could feature out wide since Jorge Jesus usually opts for the Brazilian against sides that are offensively more threatening. If that's the case, Darwin and Yaremchuk will be in competition to start up front. João Palhinha sustained an injury against CD Tondela and will join Jovane and Vinagre on the sidelines. The midfielder plays a crucial role for Sporting CP and his absence will be a major blow for the Lions. Daniel Bragança will likely deputise, although Essugo and Ugarte are also options. Coates, who is also an influential player for Sporting CP, is also out of the 'Derby Eterno' due to COVID-19. Luís Neto will replace him. Porro and Matheus Reis will probably return to the starting XI, relegating Esgaio and Nuno Santos to the bench.
Benfica have won 12 of their last 14 matches (Liga NOS). Sporting have won their last 7 matches (Liga NOS). There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 9 of Sporting's last 10 games (Liga NOS). Benfica have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 4 home matches against Sporting in all competitions. Sporting have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 matches (Liga NOS). Benfica have won their last 4 home matches against Sporting in all competitions. Benfica have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 4 home matches against Sporting in all competitions. Benfica have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 home matches against Sporting in all competitions. Benfica have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 home matches (Liga NOS).
In an unusual match, that ended in the early stages of the second half due to the Belenenses SAD's lack of players, SL Benfica won 7-0 last weekend, which could be an advantage for Jorge Jesus' men, who will be well rested for Friday. Sporting CP claimed a routine home win against CD Tondela, beating them by 2-0. They will head into the derby on an 11-match winning run in all competitions and are expected to be confident despite having to play without João Palhinha and Coates, who have been crucial. SL Benfica have had more time to prepare for this match than their rivals, which could work in their favour. On the other hand, they will be more pressured to win this match since they're at risk of the current four-point gap at the top of the table extending. Nonetheless, the Eagles have won four of the last five derbies against Sporting CP, which could be a tough mental barrier to break for the Lions, whose defeat to their rivals prevented them from going undefeated in the league last season. On top of that, SL Benfica will be well-rested and will rely on home support to get an important victory. 2:1
Benfica have won 12 of their last 14 matches (Liga NOS). Sporting have won their last 7 matches (Liga NOS). There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 9 of Sporting's last 10 games (Liga NOS). Benfica have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 4 home matches against Sporting in all competitions. Sporting have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 matches (Liga NOS). Benfica have won their last 4 home matches against Sporting in all competitions. Benfica have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 4 home matches against Sporting in all competitions. Benfica have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 home matches against Sporting in all competitions. Benfica have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 home matches (Liga NOS).
Either Lazaro or Gilberto will start on the right hand side of the defence as Gonçalves and Radonjic remain injured. Seferovic made up for his spectacular miss against Barcelona with a brace against Belenenses SAD, but will likely return to the bench here. Everton could feature out wide since Jorge Jesus usually opts for the Brazilian against sides that are offensively more threatening. If that's the case, Darwin and Yaremchuk will be in competition to start up front. João Palhinha sustained an injury against CD Tondela and will join Jovane and Vinagre on the sidelines. The midfielder plays a crucial role for Sporting CP and his absence will be a major blow for the Lions. Daniel Bragança will likely deputise, although Essugo and Ugarte are also options. Coates, who is also an influential player for Sporting CP, is also out of the 'Derby Eterno' due to COVID-19. Luís Neto will replace him. Porro and Matheus Reis will probably return to the starting XI, relegating Esgaio and Nuno Santos to the bench.