Sporting CP vs SL Benfica: Preview and Prediction
As 2024 comes to a close, the Estadio Jose Alvalade will host a highly anticipated Lisbon derby between Sporting CP and SL Benfica on Sunday, with only one point separating the two teams at the top of the Primeira Liga table. This match not only establishes bragging rights, but it may also influence the momentum of the title race heading into the new year.
Sporting CP are coming off a dismal goalless draw at Gil Vicente on Sunday. Despite dominating possession and creating clear-cut opportunities, Sporting failed to score against an inspired Andrew in goal. Prior to this, the Leoes almost avoided an upset in the Taca de Portugal, requiring a 115th-minute goal from Viktor Gyokeres to secure a 2-1 extra-time victory over Santa Clara.
Sporting has struggled for consistency in recent weeks, having won only two of their last seven games across all competitions, losing four and drawing one. As a result of his uneven performance, Joao Pereira has resigned as manager. Sporting, on the other hand, is still solidly in the title battle, tied with Porto on 37 points and trailing Benfica by one point.
Benfica, on the other hand, is in great spirits after defeating Estoril Praia 3-0 in the Estadio da Luz on Monday. Vangelis Pavlidis opened the scoring, while replacement Zeki Amdouni scored twice to cap a strong effort. As Aguias are currently unbeaten in their previous nine matches in all competitions, with seven victories and two draws since their narrow defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last November.
Benfica has demonstrated incredible form and perseverance under Bruno Lage, solidifying their position at the top of the table while also comfortably advancing in the Taca de Portugal with a 7-0 thumping of Estrela Amadora. Despite their current form, Benfica will be wary of their recent record against Sporting, having lost all three games in 2024, including two defeats and one tie. The Hard Tackle looks at how both teams could line up and what strategies they might use on the day.
Sporting CP enters this vital derby under new management, having appointed Rui Borges as head coach following the resignation of Joao Pereira. Borges will face a difficult debut, as Sporting Lisbon remains without numerous key players due to injury.
Daniel Braganca (muscle injury), Hidemasa Morita (thigh strain), and Pedro Goncalves (muscle injury) are all out, leaving the squad without key midfield options. Meanwhile, defender Goncalo Inacio remains out after suffering an injury against Moreirense earlier this month, extending his absence to a sixth game. Nuno Santos is also sidelined as he recovers from a catastrophic knee injury suffered in October, leaving him out for the foreseeable future.
Sporting CP is expected to use a 3-4-3 formation. Antonio Adan will be the goalkeeper, with Zeno Debast, Ousmane Diomande, and Eduardo Quaresma forming the defensive trio.
Morten Hjulmand and Joao Simoes will anchor the midfield, with Geovany Quenda on the right and Maximiliano Araujo on the left serving as wing-backs. Francisco Trincao and Viktor Gyokeres will lead the assault, while Conrad Harder will add firepower to Sporting’s offense.
Benfica enters this top-of-the-table battle with some key players sidelined. Tiago Gouveia is still out of play after injuring his shoulder in August during a match against Estrela Amadora, which will keep the 23-year-old attacker out for several months.
Furthermore, Renato Sanches is out due to a muscular injury that has kept him out of Benfica’s previous eight games since November. Despite these defeats, manager Bruno Lage will try to keep his team’s momentum as they strive to expand their advantage at the top of the Primeira Liga rankings.
Benfica is anticipated to use a 4-2-3-1 system. Anatoliy Trubin will start in goal, with Alexander Bah and Alvaro Carreras at full-back. The core defensive pairing will be Antonio Silva and Lucas Verissimo. Fredrik Aursnes and Orkun Kokcu will create a strong midfield duo, providing balance between defence and attack.
Angel Di Maria will play on the right flank, Kerem Akturkoglu on the left, and Oscar Beste in center offensive midfield. Leading the line will be Vangelis Pavlidis, who remains a formidable goal-scoring threat.
- Sporting CP has not lost a home match against SL Benfica in any competition this year, with two victories and one draw in their previous three games.
SL Benfica has gone unbeaten in their previous nine games across all competitions, winning seven and drawing two since November. They also maintained four clean sheets during this time.
Sporting CP has lost five of their past seven matches in all competitions, with only two victories and four defeats. This dismal performance lead to the removal of their previous manager, Joao Pereira.
The Leoes have conceded at least one goal in six of their previous seven matches in all competitions, with only one clean sheet in this period. - Benfica has scored ten goals in their last three matches across all competitions, averaging 3.33 per game. Their attacking trio, captained by Vangelis Pavlidis, has contributed significantly to this surge.
The Swedish forward combines physicality, good positioning, and clinical finishing to become one of the Primeira Liga’s most dangerous strikers. Gyökeres’ ability to hold up play, link with teammates, and generate scoring opportunities will be critical for Sporting CP in this high-profile match versus Benfica.
- The Swede’s ability to find space in tight defensive settings, as well as his poise in front of goal, make him an important player to watch in the Lisbon Derby. If Sporting CP is to win all three points, Gyokeres will play a key role.
This derby promises to be a fierce and close-fought contest. Sporting CP will rely on its home crowd and Viktor Gyokeres’ individual ability to finish the year on a high note. However, Benfica’s recent form and offensive potency, led by Vangelis Pavlidis and Zeki Amdouni, may give them an advantage. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 victory for the away team.
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