Porto vs Benfica: Team News, Predictions, and Lineup Preview
In the upcoming Primeira Liga matchup, Porto will face Benfica at Estadio do Dragao. This encounter is part of the eighth round of the league and promises excitement as both teams come into the match with contrasting recent performances.
Current Form and Standings
Porto sits at the top of the Primeira Liga, having won all seven of their league matches this season. They have a total of 21 points, scoring 19 goals while only conceding one. Their recent victory against Arouca, a commanding 4-0 win despite being down a player, highlights their potency. Conversely, Benfica is in third place with 17 points from seven matches, following a narrow defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League. They secured a 2-1 victory over Gil Vicente in the Primeira Liga last weekend.
Team News
Porto will miss Martim Fernandes due to suspension, with Alberto Costa expected to fill in at right-back. Jakub Kiwior may return to strengthen the defense, while Rodrigo Mora, who scored the winning goal against Red Star Belgrade, might earn a starting spot after his impressive performance. However, the hosts will also be without injured players Luuk de Jong and Neuhen Perez, as well as Tomas Perez, who is on international duty.
Benfica, on the other hand, has several key absentees. Alexander Bah and Manu Silva are out long-term with knee injuries, while Bruma is sidelined with an Achilles issue. Gianluca Prestianni is also away on international duty. Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored twice in the last league match, will lead the attack as Benfica aims to improve their away record, currently standing at three wins from three.
Possible Lineups
| Porto | Benfica |
|---|---|
| D. Costa | Trubin |
| A. Costa | Dedic |
| Kiwior | Silva |
| Bednarek | Otamendi |
| Moura | Dahl |
| Froholdt | Barrenechea |
| Varela | Barreiro |
| Veiga | Schjelderup |
| Gomes | Sudakov |
| Aghehowa | Aursnes |
| Sainz | Pavlidis |
Match Prediction
This clash is significant for both teams, particularly for Porto, who seek revenge after suffering heavy defeats to Benfica last season. Historical performance suggests a competitive match, but Porto’s impressive form and home advantage make them the favorites. El-Balad predicts a close game, possibly ending with Porto winning 2-1 against their rivals.
