As the 2023-24 Primeira Liga season unfolds, the highly anticipated Derby de Lisboa between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon takes center stage at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on Sunday evening. This clash is crucial, with both teams vying for pole position before the international break.
Match Preview
Benfica, the defending champions, faced a setback in the Champions League, suffering a 3-1 defeat against Real Sociedad.
Despite European struggles, they maintain a strong domestic presence, securing a 2-0 win against Chaves in their last league outing. With a nine-game unbeaten streak, they aim to stay in the title race.
Sporting Lisbon, on the other hand, enters this clash in excellent form. A 2-1 victory against Rakow Czestochowa in the Europa League adds to their four consecutive wins.
In the Primeira Liga, they secured a thrilling 3-2 win against Estrela, extending their unbeaten league record. The margin between these two giants remains narrow, promising an exciting encounter.
Form Guide
Benfica Primeira Liga form: W-W-W-W-D-W
Benfica form (all competitions): W-L-D-W-W-L
Sporting Lisbon Primeira Liga form: W-W-W-W-W-W
Sporting Lisbon form (all competitions): W-D-W-W-W-W
Team News
Benfica faces an injury challenge with Juan Bernat’s recent adductor injury. Orkun Kokcu, Alexander Bah, Petar Musa, and David Neres are also on the sidelines.
Sporting Lisbon, with fewer injury concerns, misses Geny Catamo. Pedro Goncalves, Viktor Gyokeres, and Marcus Edwards are expected to lead the attack.
Benfica possible starting lineup:
- Trubin;
- Otamendi, Silva, Morato;
- Aursnes, Mario, Luis, Neves;
- Di Maria, Silva;
- Guedes
Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
- Adan;
- Diomande, Coates, Inacio;
- Essugo, Hjulmand, Braganca, Reis;
- Edwards, Gyokeres, Goncalves
Match Prediction
In a closely contested battle, Sporting Lisbon holds a slight advantage. Benfica, dealing with a short turnaround and injuries, faces a resilient Sporting side.
Predicting a 1-2 victory for Sporting Lisbon in this high-stakes Lisbon Derby.
