Benfica vs FC Porto Prediction: Two Powerhouses In The Primeira Liga Battle It Out In O Clássico

Benfica will welcome arch-rivals FC Porto to the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the seventh round of the Primeira Liga.

Having crossed paths in the first O Clássico, where Benfica ran out 2-0 winners at home in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, will the Eagles be able to replicate that same success for the second time in a row?

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Benfica vs. FC Porto, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Benfica

Form: WWWWW

Benfica were brought down to earth in their Champions League opener on Wednesday night as they succumbed to a shock 2-0 defeat at home against Austrian giants Salzburg, a result that took everyone by surprise.

Although they did compensate for that loss, they made the trip to the Estádio Municipal de Portimão to face off against Portimonense in the league by winning 3-1.

Roger Schmidt's men have made a great start to the season where a 3-2 stutter against Boavista in the season opener has long been gone and buried as they have since gone to record five consecutive wins, a run they'll be eager to extend to six matches.

They currently occupy third place with 15 points in the standings, two points ahead of fourth-placed Boavista and one point behind early leaders Sporting CP in first place.

Probable Starting XI

Form: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Bah, Otamendi, Morato, Aursnes; Neves, Kokcu; Neres, Silva, Mario; Musa

FC Porto

Form: WWDWW

Unlike their opponents in this clash, they are one of two sides in the Primeira Liga to taste success in the continental stage, as they defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the Champions League opener on unfamiliar territory.

Their most recent match in the league against Gil Vicente turned out to be a tricky one as they were pushed to their limits for claiming maximum points as it took a second half stoppage time goal from Stephen Eustáquio to see them clinch a narrow 2-1 triumph at home.

Despite some shaky and not-so-convincing performances in the league, the Dragons will be glad to know that they still remain one of the two sides yet to suffer defeat alongside Sporting CP. They are unbeaten in six matches, recording as many wins and a solitary draw. It's also worth mentioning that they are currently on a two-match winning streak.

They currently occupy second place with 16 points in the standings, level on points with first-placed Sporting CP and one point ahead of their opponents in this impending encounter, who occupy third place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Costa; Mario, Cardoso, Carmo, Wendell; Varela, Eustaquio; Pepe, Jaime, Galeno; Taremi

Match Facts

• Benfica have won two consecutive home matches in the Primeira Liga.
• FC Porto have kept one clean sheet in eight competitive matches.
• Benfica averages 3 goals per game when playing at home, and FC Porto averages 1.67 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 56 meetings, Benfica have won 13 times, FC Porto have won 28 times, and there have been 15 draws, with the goal difference being 77-55 in favor of FC Porto.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica enters this clash as favorites to pick up three points at home, having won five consecutive matches in the league so far, which could prove to be a difficult challenge to overcome. It's also worth noting that the Eagles have recorded five consecutive wins at home without conceding a goal—a run that stems from the previous season.

FC Porto have yet to meet expectations despite being on a six-match unbeaten run in the league due to their unconvincing performance in matches. However, in O Clássico, they have been a dominant side, winning five of their last seven away matches while suffering one defeat.

With nothing much to separate these two sides, we anticipate seeing goals at both ends of the pitch as we feel the visitors have enough firepower to breach a Benfica rock solid defense.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.75
• Total - Over 2.5 for 1.87
• W1 for 2.11