Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica Predictions

• Both teams have scored in Sporting’s last five home games, two of which were drawn 1-1
• Both teams have scored in two of Benfica’s last four away games, one of which was drawn
• Three of the last five Lisbon derbies have been drawn with both teams scoring in all five

Both teams to dazzle again in Lisbon derby

Estadio Jose Alvalade provides the setting for the fourth and final Lisbon derby this season with a close game featuring goals at both ends expected once more.

Benfica won the early-season league meeting at the Luz thanks to two stoppage-time goals while Sporting got the better of their rivals over two legs in the cup recently.

Os Leoes, who are one point clear of Benfica at the top of the table, won that semi-final with a backs-to-the-wall display in the second leg on Tuesday night. Ruben Amorim bravely shifted the momentum his side’s way with a triple change at the break after only the crossbar and a brilliant goalkeeping performance prevented Sporting from being buried.

Di Maria the dangerman Sporting must stop

That game finished 2-2 and a similar outcome could be on the cards here even if the scenario is very different now. Benfica had to chase the game on Tuesday as they trailed 2-1 from the first leg, so this clash could be a bit cagier in the opening minutes with so much at stake.

Yet the head-to-head record suggests both teams will score at some stage and there is certainly enough attacking talent in both lineups to make it a gripping affair. Angel Di Maria was Benfica’s dangerman on Tuesday and stopping him will be Amorim’s prime concern while there are also likely to be fewer chances for the home side to orchestrate breakaways if the visitors are less gung-ho.

Picking a winner looks very difficult here and it may be best just to back both teams to score, but given how close each of the last five games between these rivals have been, the draw is also worth adding into any bets to boost the odds.