Monday, Sporting CP receives Benfica on behalf of the 16th day of Liga Nos. The Lisbon derby between Sporting CP (1st) and Benfica (3rd) will undoubtedly be decisive in the race for the title.
Sporting CP vs Benfica Free Betting Tips – Primeira Liga
To continue to lead the race in Liga Nos and hope to win a league title that has eluded it since 2002, Sporting CP has no other choice but to take the 3 points in this derby. The Lions are the last team still unbeaten in the league and also the one that takes the fewest goals (9 goals conceded). Slowed down by Rio Ave (1-1) in the league in mid-January, Ruben Amorim’s players then won the League Cup, after beating Porto in the semi-finals (2-1) and Braga (1-0 ) finally. Tuesday, Sporting did not tremble on the field of the red lantern Boavista (2-0).
Benfica, 3rd with 6 points behind Sporting, must at least take one point against their neighbour to not be dropped from the title race. The SLB, crowned champion in 2019 for the 37th time in its history, has had a sluggish start to the year and the coronavirus is no stranger to it. Struck by a cluster, Benfica was eliminated in the semi-finals of the League Cup by Braga (2-1) before conceding, to everyone’s surprise, the draw at the Estadio da Luz against the Nacional (1- 1). The Eagles rectified the situation Thursday night in the quarter-finals of the Portuguese Cup against Belenenses (3-0).
The workforce for Sporting CP vs Benfica
For this shock, Sporting’s regret is not being able to align its midfielder Palhinha. He is suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards while striker Phellype is still injured. On the other hand, the Lions see their top scorer Gonçalves (12 goals) come back from suspension. Portuguese winger Santos scored his 6th goal of the season against Boavista. Also, scorer, the right side loaned by Manchester City, Porro, confirms a little more his good season.
Absentees due to covid are still numerous in the ranks of Benfica. The starting goalkeeper Vlachodimos, his replacement Leite, the framework defender Otamendi, the starting left-back Tavares and the winger Everton (4 goals, 6 assists) are still unavailable. Substitute defender Almeida is injured. Last Thursday against Belenenses, the holders Waldschmidt (attacker, 8 goals), Grimaldo (left side), Gilberto (right side) and Vertonghen (central defender) made their return after contracting the virus. Midfielder Gonçalves will be fit for this match. Coach Jesus is also affected by the coronavirus and will not be on the bench. Seferovic (10 goals) and Nuñez (9 goals) will be tasked with achieving goal actions against the Lisbon rival.
The key points for the match Sporting CP vs Benfica
Coaches have the possibility of making 5 substitutions during the game.
This meeting will take place behind closed doors.
Benfica has won the last 3 encounters.
Sporting CP vs Benfica Free Betting Tips
For Sporting, the opportunity to outrun their rival in the title race is a great one. Even more in view of the countless absences on the SLB side. Sporting victory!
Betting Tips: Sporting
Odds: 2.50
