Benfica are within touching distance of a first Primeira Liga title since 2018-19 as they prepare to lock horns with Lisbon rivals Sporting Lisbon at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Sunday night. The Eagles will win the title if they match or better Porto’s result against Famalicao on Saturday, but the Lions will be desperate to delay their foes’ title celebrations for a little while longer.
In truth, Sporting have been performing at a seriously high level for months, recording 13 wins, three draws and one defeat across their past 17 Primeira Liga clashes, but the relentless form of Benfica, Porto and Braga means that Ruben Amorim’s side find themselves four points shy of the top three.
The Lions have finished outside of the top three in just one of the previous nine seasons, winning the title in 2020-21, but they look set to miss out on a Champions League berth this time around after struggling to keep pace with the frontrunners.
That said, Sporting boast a strong home record this season, having won 13 of their 16 league matches at Estadio Jose Alvalade, while Amorim’s men have also conceded the fewest number of home goals in the Primeira Liga, so they will back themselves to keep Benfica quiet on Sunday.
Hector Bellerin and Arthur will continue to occupy the wing-back roles, with Marcus Edwards and Francisco Trincao supporting striker Paulinho, who has bagged 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season.
As for Benfica, they are still without German midfielder Julian Draxler, who has not featured since February due to an ongoing ankle injury. With 26 goals and 12 assists to his name this term, 21-year-old sensation Goncalo Ramos will continue to lead the line for the Eagles, while David Neres, Rafa Silva and Joao Mario will operate behind the striker. Chiquinho and Joao Neves are expected to anchor the midfield, with Morto and Antonio Silva likely to resume their partnership at centre-back.
