Sporting CP vs Benfica Prediction: Are We Going To See Any Surprises In The 320th Iteration of the Derby de Lisboa?

The fourth and final Lisbon Derby will unfold at the Estádio José Alvalade during the 28th round of the Primeira Liga. With this match being played on Sporting CP's turf, the league leaders will be gunning for a three-pointer. Securing this victory would not only keep them atop the standings but also bolster their prospects of seizing the league title. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Sporting CP

Form: WWWWD

Four days after playing out a nail-biting 2-2 draw against Benfica in the second leg of the Taça de Portugal semi-final, which saw them book their spot in the quarter-finals thanks to a 4-3 aggregate success, Sporting CP are now tasked with a difficult task: defending their position atop the standings against the same opponent in the Primeira Liga.

Their last league match saw them defeat Estrela Amadora 2-1 on the road, which was enough to see them retain the top spot in the Primeira Liga. This marked their fourth consecutive league win, where they scored a whopping 14 goals while conceding four in the process. 

With 67 points accumulated from 26 matches played, Sporting CP occupies the top spot in the Primeira Liga standings and is one point ahead of their opponents in this impending encounter. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Israel; Diomande, Coates, Reis; Catamo, Hjulmand, Morita, Paulinho; Trincao, Gyokeres, Santos

Benfica

Form: WWWLW

Following their elimination from the Taça de Portugal at the hands of Sporting CP, Benfica's chances of clinching silverware have now been limited to just two competitions: the Europa League and the Primeira Liga championship.

In their most recent league match, the Eagles managed to record a narrow 1-0 victory against the Chaves at home. This extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to six matches (W4 D2), and they will be banking on this momentum to secure a favorable outcome in this matchup.

With 67 points accumulated from 27 matches, Benfica sits comfortably in second place in the Primeira Liga standings, nine points clear of third-placed FC Porto and one point adrift of the top spot. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Bah, Morato, Otamendi, Aursnes; Luis, Neves; Di Maria, Silva, Mario; Leonardo

Match Facts

• Sporting CP are currently on a three-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
• Benfica have lost two of their last thirteen away matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Sporting CP averages 3.54 goals per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 1.85 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 62 meetings, Sporting CP have won 18 times, Benfica have won 26 times, and there have been 18 draws, with the goal difference being 90-73 in favor of Benfica. 

Expert Betting Tips

Sporting CP enters this match boasting an impressive home record in the Primeira Liga, maintaining a 100% win record in their last thirteen matches. They'll want to build up on this momentum to see off the threat of Benfica, a side they've managed to defeat once in their last six meetings. Benfica, on the other hand, will be aiming to get back to winning ways in this fixture after failing to win any of their last two matches (L1 and D1).

With this clash expected to be a tight contest between two powerhouses in the Primeira Liga, we will be keeping our distance on the full-time market. As such, we anticipate supporting both sides to get on the scoreboard, as this has been the case in eight of their last nine meetings.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.60
• Total - Over 2.5 for 1.69
• Double Chance - Draw/Benfica for 1.80