Sporting CP vs Benfica Prediction: Bitter Rivals To Battle It Out In The Lisbon Derby!

The Lisbon derby sees Sporting CP play host to table-toppers Benfica at the Estádio José Alvalade for the 33rd round of the Primeira Liga.

With Sporting CP's chances of entering the top three this season no longer looking achievable, will this lead to them recording an unfavorable result at home against table-toppers Benfica?

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

Sporting CP

Form: WWWWD

The Leões' recent match at home against Maritimo saw them barely escape recording a less appealing result that would have been a major blow for their prospects of finishing in third place this season as a cancelled-out Brayan Riasco equalizer in the dying embers of the game witnessed them eke out a narrow 2:1 triumph.

Ruben Amorim has had nothing to complain about when it comes to his side's performance in recent weeks, as they are currently on a four-match winning streak and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, picking up 32 points from wins and two draws.

Their success this season has solely been based on their impressive form at the Estádio José Alvalade, where 40 points have been accrued from thirteen wins, two losses, and a draw. It's also worth mentioning that they are currently on a six-match unbeaten run and will be keen on extending that run to seven matches.

In the standings, they presently occupy fourth place with 70 points, and their chances of finishing in third place are hampered by a four-point deficit. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Israel; Diomande, Coates, Reis; Bellerin, Ugarte, Goncalves, Arthur; Edwards, Trincao; Paulinho

Benfica

Form: WWWWL

The Eagles rediscovered their goal-scoring form in their recent outing against Portimonense SC, as they completely obliterated the home side in front of their boisterous fans to record a commanding 5:1 victory.

After uncalled-for defeats against FC Porto (2:1) and GD Chaves (1:0), many were expecting the worst-case scenario with the Eagles form necessitating an abrupt decline with their performance in the crucial stages of the game. However, they managed to pick themselves up as they rebounded with a 1:0 victory against Estoril Praia, which was undeniably the breakthrough they needed to get back on track as they are currently riding on the back of a four-match winning streak.

On the road, they have only lost one of their last nine matches against GD Chaves (1:0) while recording eight wins to accumulate 24 points in the process, and it goes without saying they'll want to use their impressive away form to their advantage by claiming a convincing win against their opponent in this clash, who have proven from time to time that they are no pushovers.

In the standings, they presently occupy first place with 83 points and have maintained a four-point lead over FC Porto in second place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Vlachodimos; Aursnes, Silva, Morato, Grimaldo; Neves, Chiquinho; Mario, Silva, Neres; Ramos

Match Facts

• Benfica have only lost one of their last nine away matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Benfica have won four consecutive matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Sporting CP are unbeaten in their last 12 matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Sporting CP averages 2.5 goals per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 2 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 58 meetings, Sporting CP has won 17 times, Benfica has won 25 times, and there have been 16 draws, with the goal difference being 83-66 in favor of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

Sporting CP have come to terms with the fact that their quest to enter the top three in the standings is no longer an achievable feat with two games left to spare and can rather focus their energy on consolidating their fourth place, and that starts off with securing all three points here, which will undoubtedly not be a walk in the park given the opponent they are up against. 

Benfica are en route to their 38th League title, having last held the silverware in 2018-19, and with their terrific run in the Primeira Liga that has seen them suffer three defeats in 32 matches this season, there's no denying that their name was long carved in this season's title.

The Lisbon derby is expected to be an entertaining encounter between two bitter rivals, both in search of crucial three points in this penultimate round. Both sides have excelled when it comes to their attacking prowess in the league, which definitely rules out a clean sheet in this encounter despite the visitors laudable defense that has seen 12 clean sheets kept in their last 16 away matches.

• Both Teams To Score + Goals - Over 2.5 for 2.00
• Penalty Awarded - Yes for 2.16
• Handicap 2 (0) for 1.91