Sporting Lisbon and Benfica share centre stage in Portugal next weekend as the league leaders host a Benfica side looking to retain their title. This game could provide a unique audition for Ruben Amorim as all eyes will be on him following the increased speculation regarding the links to the Liverpool job next season.
Date: 06/04/2024
Location: Estadio Jose Alvalade
Kick-off: 20:30 pm
Sporting and Benfica will know that in the case of dropped points, neither side will lose their position in the table. If the away side were to win, Benfica would move to the top of the table. Sporting does have a game in hand over Benfica, so a win would move Amorim’s side four points clear at the top of the table. Since he arrived from Braga in 2020, the former Benfica player Ruben Amorim has overseen a revolution at Sporting Lisbon.
Amorim is responsible for overseeing Sporting’s first league title in over 20 years. Following their triumph in 2021, Amorim has added two Taca Da Liga’s (Portuguese League Cup) and individually he was won manager of the year in the title-winning season. His exploits with Sporting Lisbon had garnered him the reputation of one of the brightest managers in Europe amidst the reported links to Liverpool.
So far this season, Sporting Lisbon have been consistent in the league and their position reflects this. Leading the way after 26 games played, Sporting currently have 68 points on the board after 26 games played. Sporting are averaging 2.6 points per game at this stage. Their record has been fantastic in terms of the overall form, having won 22 league games, drawing twice and losing the other two. Amorim, who currently deploys a 3-4-3 has produced a great attacking output so far this season.
The hosts have scored 77 goals in 26 games – which gives them an average of 2.9 goals scored per game. In the defensive area, they’ve conceded 26 in 26 which averages to a goal a game. Sporting currently have a superior goal difference to Benfica should that come into play at the end of the season.
As for Benfica, as mentioned they are the reigning champions and are looking to make it triumph number 39 in the league. Benfica will know that this Lisbon derby is of vital importance that they do win, to at least put some pressure on Sporting Lisbon to win their game in hand. Benfica are currently under the tenure of Roger Schmidt who has been in charge for just over a season.
This season they currently have 67 points from 27 games – which gives them an average of 2.48 points per game. The key difference between the two sides when it comes to goal difference is the attack. Sporting have outscored their city rivals by 16 goals, this is despite Benfica boasting the second-best defensive record in the league. The Eagles have conceded 21 goals in 27 games – which gives them an average of 0.7 goals per game conceded. The only team to boast a better record defensively is Porto.
Benfica are still involved in three competitions this season. Whilst second in the league, the Eagles are also involved in the UEFA Europa League as well as the domestic cup competition. Benfica have a tie with Marseille with an eventual tie against Liverpool also on offer.
Their most recent game against each brought a measure of revenge for Sporting Lisbon. The hosts have an aggregate home lead over Benfica after a 2-1 win. Goals from Viktor Gyökeres and Pedro Gonçalves were enough to secure the first-leg win. The second leg takes place on the Tuesday before this league game.
The overall head-to-head record in the last five games marginally favours Benfica. The Eagles have won two out of their last five against Sporting Lisbon, drawing twice and losing the remaining one. Sporting are chasing their first league win over Benfica in four games.
Primeira Liga 
