Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Sporting Lisbonvs.Benfica

sportsmole.co.uk, 27 December 2024, 20:53
Sporting Lisbon and Benfica bring their schedule for 2024 to an end with a thrilling top-of-the-table clash when they lock horns at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in round 16 of the Primeira Liga on Sunday.

Having failed to win any of the three meetings between the sides across all competitions this year, As Aguias will head into the latest edition of the heated Lisbon derby looking to get one over their rivals.

Match preview

Sporting Lisbon picked up another disappointing result last Sunday when they played out a goalless draw with Gil Vicente after a wasteful display in front of goal at the Estadio Cidade de Barcelos.

Despite seeing over 60% of the ball possession and having a number of clear cut chances, the visitors failed to beat an inspired Andrew between the sticks for Gil Vicente as they settled for a share of the spoils.

Prior to that, Sporting Lisbon spared their blushes in the fifth round of the Taca de Portugal on December 18, when they needed a 115th-minute strike from Viktor Gyokeres to scrape a 2-1 extra-time victory over Santa Clara at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

With last weekend's stalemate, the Leoes have failed to win five of their most recent seven matches across all competitions — losing four and claiming one draw — a run which has seen Joao Pereira relieved of his role at the helm of affairs.

Sporting Lisbon have picked up 37 points from their 15 Primeira Liga matches to sit second in the league standings, level on points with third-placed Porto and one behind Sunday's visitors at the top of the pile.

On the other hand, Benfica made light work of Estoril Praia as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Canarinhos when the two sides squared off at the Estadio da Luz on Monday.

Vangelis Pavlidis opened the scoring in the 28th minute to put As Aguias in front before Swiss international Zeki Amdouni netted twice off the bench to cap off a dominant team display.

Benfica have now gone nine straight games without defeat across all competitions, picking up seven wins and two draws since November's 1-0 loss against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, where they currently sit 15th in the table with 10 points from six matches.

This fine run of results has also seen Bruno Lage's men book their spot in the fifth round of the Taca de Portugal courtesy of an emphatic 7-0 victory over Estrela Amadora at the Estadio da Luz on November 23.

While Benfica will be looking to open up a four-point lead at the top of the table this weekend, they have failed to win their three meetings with Sporting in all competitions this year, losing twice and claiming one draw so far.

Sporting Lisbon Primeira Liga form:

W

W

L

L

W

D

Sporting Lisbon form (all competitions):

L

L

L

W

W

D

Benfica Primeira Liga form:

W

W

W

D

W

W

Benfica form (all competitions):

W

W

D

D

W

W

Team News

Following the departure of Pereira, Sporting Lisbon has snapped up Rui Borges from Vitoria de Guimaraes and the 43-year-old will be looking to hit the ground running at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

On the injury front, the Leoes remain without several players down the spine of the team as Daniel Braganca (muscle), Hidemasa Morita (thigh) and Pedro Goncalves (muscle) continue their spells on the sidelines.

Goncalo Inacio has missed each of the last four matches since coming off injured in the game against Moreirense on December 5 and the 23-year-old defender is ruled out for the home side.

Nuno Santos also continued his long road to full fitness after suffering a knee injury back in October and the 29-year-old striker is also out of contention for this weekend's matchup.

Benfica, meanwhile, remain without 23-year-old forward Tiago Gouveia, who has been ruled out since coming off with a shoulder injury in August's game against Estrela Amadora.

He is joined on the club's injury table by fellow Portuguese attacker Renato Sanches, who has missed each of the last eight matches since picking up a muscle problem in November.

Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:

Israel; Debast, Diomande, Quaresma; Quenda, Simoes, Hjulmand, Araujo; Trincao, Gyokeres, Harder

Benfica possible starting lineup:

Trubin; Araujo, Bah, Silva, Carreras; Aursnes, Kokcu; Di Maria, Akturkoglu, Beste; Pavlidis

We say: Sporting Lisbon 1-2 Benfica

Games between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica have often served up fireworks and we anticipate another action-packed contest at the Estadio Jose Alvalade with plenty of goalmouth action. As Aguias head into the weekend as the more in-form side, and we predict they will heap more misery on the out-of-sorts hosts.

Written by

Joshua Ojele

Previews by email
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Farensevs.Guimaraes
Farense SC and Vitoria de Guimaraes bring their year to a close when they lock horns at the Estadio de Sao Luis in round 16 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Sunday.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Swanseavs.Luton
Swansea City will be aiming to make it successive wins in the Championship when they continue their campaign with a home fixture against Luton Town on Sunday afternoon.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Oxford Utdvs.Plymouth
Two relegation rivals will face off when Oxford United welcome Plymouth Argyle to the Kassam Stadium for Sunday's Championship clash.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Derbyvs.Leeds
Promotion-chasing Leeds United will try to extend their four-game unbeaten run when they head to Pride Park for Sunday's clash with Derby County.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Fulhamvs.Bournemouth
Bournemouth will have to work around the absence of Justin Kluivert for Sunday's Premier League clash with Fulham.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Fulhamvs.Bournemouth
Fulham are again sweating over the fitness of Emile Smith Rowe for Sunday's Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bristol Cityvs.Portsmouth
Bristol City will look to claim a second straight win when they welcome Portsmouth to Ashton Gate for Sunday's Championship encounter.
27 December 2024
talksport.com
EFL club sack manager after just 19 games in charge
Stoke City have sacked Narcis Pelach as their head coach.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Fulhamvs.Bournemouth
Two teams enjoying excellent campaigns will lock horns for an intriguing Premier League contest on Sunday afternoon, with Fulham welcoming Bournemouth to Craven Cottage.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Peterboroughvs.Barnsley
High-scoring Peterborough United are set to host promotion hopefuls Barnsley at Weston Homes Stadium on Sunday in League One.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Nott'm Forest
Nottingham Forest are set to be without the services of midfielder Ryan Yates for the trip to Everton in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dundee Utdvs.Aberdeen
Two teams separated by just one place in the Scottish Premiership table are set to clash on Sunday evening when Dundee United host Aberdeen at Tannadice Park.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Nott'm Forest
Everton could be prepared to welcome back the services of winger Dwight McNeil for the Premier League battle with Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Nott'm Forest
Following a hard-fought point at the home of the faltering champions earlier in the week, Everton will continue their festive schedule with the visit of Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest.
27 December 2024
talksport.com
Cristiano Ronaldo says Saudi Pro League is better than major European league
Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally claimed the Saudi Pro League is superior to Ligue 1.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ruben Amorim vs. Arne Slot: Man United, Liverpool 'set to battle' for France international
Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all reportedly interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain attacker Randal Kolo Muani during the January transfer window.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ross Countyvs.Hearts
Two teams battling at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table are set to come together on Sunday afternoon when Ross County host Hearts at the Global Energy Stadium.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man City 'could trigger midfielder's release clause' as Pep Guardiola sets out plans for January market
Manchester City are reportedly considering triggering the release clause of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi during the January transfer window due to their ongoing issues.
27 December 2024
talksport.com
Leeds release statement after video of fan chant about Tottenham loanee emerges
Leeds United have released a statement to condemn chants about Manor Solomon.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'make offer' for 'leading target' as Ruben Amorim bids to solve major issue in Red Devils team
Manchester United have reportedly made an offer for Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes.
27 December 2024
talksport.com
Real Madrid quietly changing name of stadium without telling fans
Real Madrid have reportedly tweaked the name of their iconic stadium without fans realising.
27 December 2024
talksport.com
'I was right' - Rory Jennings doubles down on Haaland verdict amid dreadful run
Rory Jennings wants the football public to apologise, insisting he was 'right' about his controversial Erling Haaland verdict.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
West Hamvs.Liverpool
Liverpool boss Arne Slot will only be missing three players for Sunday's Premier League showdown with West Ham United at the London Stadium.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Juventus 'reject Marcus Rashford transfer' with Old Lady 'more interested' in Red Devils teammate
Juventus have reportedly rejected the chance to sign unsettled forward Marcus Rashford, with the Old Lady more interested in bringing in his Manchester United teammate Joshua Zirkzee.
27 December 2024
talksport.com
Amorim admits he could be sacked by Man United after setting unwanted records
Ruben Amorim has admitted his position at Manchester United is far from secure after a difficult start to life in England.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
West Hamvs.Liverpool
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is grappling with a new selection crisis ahead of Sunday's Premier League visit of Liverpool to the London Stadium.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Cheltenhamvs.Notts County
Notts County can end the year in a League Two playoff position with a victory at Whaddon Road on Sunday versus Cheltenham Town.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Huddersfieldvs.Burton Albion
Promotion-chasing Huddersfield Town are set to host bottom-of-the-table Burton Albion at John Smith's Stadium on Sunday in League One.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
West Hamvs.Liverpool
Aiming to hit the 45-point mark before the end of the calendar year, relentless Premier League leaders Liverpool head to West Ham United on Sunday evening for their final match of 2024.
27 December 2024
talksport.com
Cristiano Ronaldo stunned rivals when he turned into prime MJ for amazing goal
Cristiano Ronaldo has proven time and time again that he is a freak athlete.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Utdvs.Newcastle
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has said that he could be sacked by the 20-time English champions if he is unable to oversee a change of fortunes in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign.
27 December 2024
talksport.com
Millwall close in on signing of new manager who has coached in Premier League
Alex Neil is set to be confirmed as the new manager of Millwall, talkSPORT understands.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Colchestervs.Doncaster
Colchester United can claim consecutive League Two triumphs for the first time all season when they host Doncaster Rovers on Sunday at Colchester Community Stadium.
27 December 2024
talksport.com
Bukayo Saka names three Arsenal heroes including one who played just 12 times
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is blazing a trail for the club's academy and it was three Hale End stars before him who once inspired him.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'on red alert' as Barcelona 'suffer major blow' in bid to keep Dani Olmo
Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Dani Olmo's situation at Barcelona, with the Spain international potentially becoming available on a free transfer at the start of January.
27 December 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Motherwellvs.Rangers
Rangers will look to bounce back from a disappointing defeat last time out when they travel to Fir Park to face Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
Show more

Top News

12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Kevin De Bruyne rolled back the years with a stunning performance, as Manchester City came from behind to record a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace in Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Looking to boost their European qualification hopes, Eyupspor will aim to capitalise on a favourable fixture against Turkish Super Lig basement side Adana Demirspor in the final game of round 31. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea are set to take the Premier League field on Sunday afternoon, when relegation-threatened Ipswich Town visit Stamford Bridge. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers can move to within just two points of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League table with victory over Ange Postecoglou's men in Sunday's clash at Molineux. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool and West Ham United can both take major steps towards achieving their end-of-season goals in Sunday's Premier League showdown at Anfield. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Nottingham Forest and Everton have announced their starting lineups for Saturday's Premier League game at the City Ground. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Atletico Madrid will be bidding to make it successive wins in Spain's top flight when they continue their campaign with a home fixture against basement side Real Valladolid on Monday night. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Serie A powerhouses Napoli have reportedly developed a 'concrete interest' in Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior as they consider alternatives to Tottenham Hotspur's Radu Dragusin. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has provided an update on Son Heung-min's contract situation ahead of the expiry of his current deal in 2026. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva is supposedly prepared to take a pay cut to return to one of his former clubs during the summer transfer window. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Both still in with a shot of sneaking into the European places in the Premier League table, Bournemouth and Fulham conclude gameweek 32 with a Monday night fixture at the Vitality Stadium. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Phil Foden has been left out of Manchester City's matchday squad for this afternoon's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Fulham front man Rodrigo Muniz could match a Premier League record set by Richarlison when the Cottagers head to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Monday night. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bournemouth striker Evanilson could join an exclusive club of Brazilian players in Monday's Premier League showdown with Fulham at the Vitality Stadium. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk At risk of their worst-ever home losing run as a Premier League club, an out-of-sorts Bournemouth welcome Fulham to the Vitality Stadium for Monday night's encounter. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers will be looking to equal a 55-year streak when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. 12 April 2025 talksport.com Frank Sinclair's career is synonymous with headline-worthy moments at Wembley, so it would make sense for it to run in the family genes. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly not ruled out rekindling their interest in on-loan Tottenham Hotspur attacker Mathys Tel if they decide against signing Jadon Sancho permanently. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid's transfer plan for William Saliba has supposedly been revealed, and Los Blancos have not given up hope of signing the Arsenal man as a free agent in two years' time. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly named their asking price for misfiring striker Rasmus Hojlund amid claims that he could be set to make a swift return to Serie A. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Toronto vs. Minnesota Utd (Saturday, 7.30pm) Still seeking their first victory of the 2025 MLS campaign, Toronto will host Minnesota United on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Konyaspor vs. Goztepe SK (Saturday, 2.00pm) Konyaspor head into Saturday's Turkish Super Lig encounter against Goztepe SK eager to avoid another setback that could further dent their hopes of top-flight survival. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Sittard vs. Feyenoord (Saturday, 3.30pm) Saturday's jam-packed schedule in the Eredivisie will get underway with Fortuna Sittard playing host to top-three hopefuls Feyenoord at Fortuna Sittard Stadion. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Sociedad vs. Mallorca (Saturday, 1.00pm) A revitalised Real Sociedad team will be bidding to make it three La Liga victories in a row when they continue their campaign with a home fixture against Mallorca on Saturday afternoon. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Venezia vs. Monza (Saturday, 2.00pm) Saturday's gameweek 32 action in Serie A pits second-bottom Venezia against cellar-dwelling Monza at Stadio Pierluigi Penzo. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk B. Leverkusen vs. Union Berlin (Saturday, 2.30pm) Hosts Bayer Leverkusen must beat Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday at BayArena and hope that Bayern Munich drop points if they have ambitions of retaining their title. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Monaco vs. Marseille (Saturday, 4.00pm) In the pick of the games this weekend in Ligue 1, Monaco and Marseille will continue their hunt for automatic Champions League qualification when they meet at the Stade Louis II. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Celtic vs. Kilmarnock (Saturday, 12.30pm) Celtic host Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership this weekend as they edge closer to lifting a fourth consecutive league title. 12 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Man City vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 12.30pm) Seeking to climb back into the Premier League's top five, Champions League-chasing Manchester City play host to Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.