Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon Predictions

Goals in short supply in Derby de Lisboa

Goals could be at a premium when Benfica host Sporting at Estadio da Luz in the Primeira Liga on Saturday, and under the goals looks the best bet in a game between the Lisbon giants that will go a long way to deciding who wins the title.

This is a top-of-the-table clash. Sporting lead the Primeira Liga, having won 24 and lost just two of their 32 games this season, while Benfica are second with 25 wins and four defeats. These sides are separated by the fact Sporting currently hold the head-to-head advantage after winning the reverse fixture 1-0.

Benfica are in form, having won their last three Primeira Liga matches and enjoying success in 18 of their last 20 home games in the league.

However, Sporting beat Boavista 5-0 two weeks ago and have won their last two clashes with their local rivals in the league.

Both teams have been impressive defensively this season. No Primeira Liga team has shipped fewer goals than Benfica’s 26 in 32 games, while Sporting have conceded just 13 goals away from home in 16 matches.

Benfica have won 18 of their last 20 Primeira Liga home games and a 1-0 win for the hosts looks a decent correct-score option. Sporting are in good form too, so goals could be at a premium here and should it finish 1-0 it would mean the head-to-head is level and Sporting’s goal difference advantage would be down to one heading into next weekend’s final round of fixtures.

That’s a situation both might settle for should Benfica grab the opening goal.

Click here to learn more about Spotlight iQ

Edited by Mark Langdon