The top of the table clash between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica will be the center of attention on Saturday evening, as the race for the Primeira Liga heats up.
Both sides faced off in the Taca de Portugal semi-final on Tuesday night, with the hosts advancing into the final after a 4-3 aggregate win.
Match preview
© Reuters
Sporting Lisbon head into this match following a thrilling 2-2 draw with Benfica at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night. This result ended their four-year wait for another appearance in the Taca de Portugal final.
The Leoes are now unbeaten in their last three games across all competitions, winning two and drawing one, while scoring 10 goals and conceding just four.
Ruben Amorim's team are already out of the Europa League after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Atalanta BC in the round of 16. This leaves them with only the Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal titles to fight for.
Sporting are currently top of the table in the Primeira Liga, but are just one point ahead of Benfica, having played one game fewer than the Eagles.
However, they will have a chance to increase the gap to four points when both teams meet on Saturday. This will be the fourth meeting between both sides this season, with the previous three meetings ending with one win each and a draw.
Amorim's side will hope to keep their flawless home record going on Saturday, having picked up a win in each of their 13 league matches on home soil, scoring 46 goals and conceding 10.
© Reuters
Like their opponents, Benfica are also in contention for a double this season as they are just one point behind Sporting in the league, although they have played a game more, and are also in the quarter-final of the Europa League, where they will face Marseille.
The Eagles saw their treble hopes end on Tuesday, but kept up their unbeaten streak, stretching it to six matches with two draws and four victories.
However, the last time Roger Schmidt's men encountered a fellow top three side in the league, it ended in a disappointing 5-0 loss to Porto.
The Eagles have lost just two away games in the league so far, while drawing two and winning nine. This makes them the joint-best-away team alongside Sporting and Braga.
Team News
© Reuters
Sporting Lisbon remain without midfielder Pedro Goncalves, who has been sidelined since coming off injured midway through the Europa League game against Atalanta on March 14.
He is joined on the Leoes' injury table by Spanish goalkeeper Antonio Adan, who has missed each of the last seven matches through a thigh problem.
Viktor Gyokeres is having an unforgettable season, having scored 36 times in 41 appearances across all competitions and he should lead the line once again.
Benfica have no injury or suspensions to worry about heading into this clash, leaving Schmidt with a wealth of options to choose from.
Marcos Leonardo has not started the last two matches, but he could return as the centre forward on Saturday, with the Eagles' top scorer Rafa Silva playing behind the striker.
Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Israel; Diomande, Coates, Reis; Catamo, Hjulmand, Morita, Paulinho; Trincao, Gyokeres, Santos
Benfica possible starting lineup:
Trubin; Bah, Morato, Otamendi, Aursnes; Luis, Neves; Di Maria, Silva, Mario; Leonardo
We say: Sporting Lisbon 2-1 Benfica
We expect this match to be a very tight affair like the previous three meetings this season. However, Sporting have been flawless at home so far and have not lost in their last two home matches against Benfica. A slender victory for the home side looks likely.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
