Benfica vs Porto: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

It is time for O Clássico for the Portuguese fans!

Benfica, the defending champions, will face their rivals Porto at Estádio da Luz in the Portuguese Primeira Liga this Friday. This marks their second meeting this season. The Eagles emerged victorious in their previous encounter during the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira last month.

Benfica is currently on a 5-match winning streak. They have won their last five games after a loss to Boavista at the beginning of the season. In their last game, they defeated Portimonense 3-1. With the help of the goalscorers Alexander Bah, Petar Musa, and David Neres.

On the other hand, Porto is still undefeated in the league this season alongside Sporting CP. Both of these teams have 16 points, but Sporting is atop on goal difference. Meanwhile, Porto has remained unbeaten in all competitions since their loss to Benfica in the Supertaca. In their previous league match, they clinched a 2-1 victory against Gil Vicente, with goals from Iván Jaime and Stephen Eustáquio.

So far in the Primeira Liga table this season, Porto edge their rivals, Benfica, by a single-point margin. While the Dragons sit in the 2nd position with 16 points in 6 games, the Eagles are in the 3rd place with 15 points. Hence, making the upcoming Clássico evermore so exciting as it can literally shift the balance of play going forward this season.

Kick-off

Friday 29th September 8:15 PM (GMT)

Saturday 30th September 12:45 AM (IST)

Location: Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Form

Benfica (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-L-W

Porto (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-W-W

Players to watch

Angel Di Maria (Benfica)

The 35-year-old Argentina international, Angel Di Maria is lighting up the Primeira Liga with his form. With 4 goals and 1 assist in 5 games, Di Maria is one of the most in-form players for Benfica right now. Now, as the Portuguese Classic is about to take place, home fans will be expecting their inexperienced player to rise up to the occasion yet again.

Galeno (Porto)

This might seem like a rogue shout, but the Brazilian has filled in Luis Diaz's void more than it was expected out of him. Galeno has shone for the Dragons this season. The 25-year-old winger has scored 3 goals and has assisted 2 more in 8 games across all competitions. With O Clássico set to take place, all eyes will be on him, and the away fans will also glue their hopes through him going forward.

Match facts

• Last season, both teams secured away wins in Primeira Liga, with Porto winning 2-1 in April.
• Benfica has only lost twice in their last 26 home league matches, both times to Porto.
• Going into the match Porto has 3 wins and a draw against Benfica. Meaning the hosts are winless in the last 4 games.

Injury and team news

Benfica:

Benfica's coach Roger Schmidt has a healthy squad but might not make many changes for this crucial game. Di María, who missed the last match due to injury, might feature in the Clássico. So, if Neres gets another start the fans shall see.

Musa is a doubt for the big game but is expected to play. As for João Neves, he was rested in the previous game and Schmidt would put him in the starting lineup.

Porto:

On the other hand, Porto's coach Sergio Conceicao faces challenges with key players injured. The Dragons have injury concerns on both ends of the pitch.

Ivan Marcano and Evanilson are sidelined. Pepe is doubtful due to a muscle problem but might play if he recovers. Iván Jaime, who recently scored, could earn a starting spot. With Zaidu injured, Wendell is likely to start in defense.

Head-to-head

Total matches: 223

Benfica: 90

Porto: 101

Draws: 62

Predicted lineup for Benfica vs Porto

Benfica Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Trubin; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Aursnes; Neves, Kökçü; Di Maria, R. Silva, Mario; Musa

Porto Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Costa; Joao Mario, Fabio Cardoso, Carmo, Wendell; Eustaquio, Varela; Franco, Jaime, Galeno; Taremi

Match prediction for Benfica vs Porto

It is a tough one to predict. On the one hand, the H2H record suggests Porto just knows how to do it against their upcoming opponents. But given their latest run of form on the home turf, 5 wins in 5, Benfica are a force to be reckoned with at Estadio da Luz. So, we predict yet another feisty affair between the two sides. However, considering the injury woes for the visitors it would not be an outrageous call to say that Benfica is going to win 2-1.

Prediction: Benfica 2-1 Porto

Telecast details for Benfica vs Porto

India: NA

UK: TNT Sports

USA: Gol TV