Benfica vs Porto Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Portuguese Primeira Liga
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THE FACTS
When is Benfica vs Porto on and what time does it start? Benfica vs Porto will take place on Friday 29th September, 2023 – 20:15 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Benfica vs Porto? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Benfica vs Porto on in the UK? Some Portuguese Primeira Liga matches are televised on either TNT Sports or Viaplay Sports in the UK so it is worth checking their schedules
Where can I Benfica vs Porto in the UK? If televised on either TNT Sports or Viaplay Sports, the match can be streamed on their respective streaming platforms
THE LOWDOWN
BENFICA
Benfica’s business model is to buy low and sell high, or produce from within and sell on, and they have done that twice in 2023 with both Enzo Fernandez and Goncalo Ramos moving for huge profit. The return of Angel Di Maria remains special but Roger Schmidt’s reigning Portuguese champions do appear to have been impacted by those aforementioned departures more than had been expected.
The hosts come into this on the back of a 3-1 win away to Portimonense in their most recent outing, at the weekend. They began the defence of their title with a shock and dramatic 3-2 loss to Boavista but have since enjoyed five successive wins. Their loss at home to Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League will be a major concern, though.
PORTO
The style of Portuguese football can be most encapsulated by that of Sergio Conceicao and his Porto side. They play a very dogged, rugged, rough and aggressive style of football that seeks to suffocate opponents. They missed out on the title last season but will likely be belligerent in their efforts to reclaim the crown come the spring of 2024.
Their five wins so far this season, accompanied by a draw with Arouca, have all been by a one-goal margin against significantly inferior opponents and many have required late goals. They came from behind to defeat Moreirense, scored a 100th minute winner against Farense, scored two stoppage-time goals to win at Rio Ave and then a 91st minute winner against Gil Vicente.
THE TEAM NEWS
BENFICA
Roger Schmidt will be able to rotate for this weekend, albeit that is unlikely in such an important game, with a fully fit and available squad.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Bah, Otamendi, Morato, Aursnes; Kokcu, Luis; Neres, Silva, Joao Mario; Musa
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
PORTO
Sergio Conceicao has significant absentees at both ends of the pitch with defender Ivan Marcano joining forward Evanilson on the sidelines for this weekend.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Joao Mario, Fabio Cardoso, Carmo, Wendell; Eustaquio, Varela; Franco, Jaime, Galeno; Taremi
UNAVAILABLE: Evanilson (Injured), Namaso (Injured), Marcano (Injured), Veron (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
These two are the real giants of Portuguese football and it is already the second ‘O Classico’ of the season after Benfica defeated their rivals in the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira ahead of the season. The fairly bizarre start to this season for both sides makes this an intriguing clash with Benfica having to prioritse their upcoming UEFA Champions League match after their aforementioned loss to Salzburg. Porto have not played well whatsoever this season but have won six and drawn one since that Super Cup loss to Benfica. This is likely to be a spiky affair and backing a cards bet looks good value but a low-scoring, typical Primeira Liga encounter is also expected.
TIP: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
