SL Benfica vs FC Porto – 07/04/2023
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It’s first against second in Portugal’s Primeira Liga on Friday night, as table-topping Benfica entertain FC Porto at the Estadio da Luz.
Of course, this clash also brings together two bitter rivals, with O Classico bragging rights up for grabs whenever Benfica and Porto do battle.
Together ❤️#RAFCSLB | #LigaPortugal pic.twitter.com/uBb8oJxcAU
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) April 2, 2023
As it stands, Benfica find themselves 10 points clear of Porto with eight games remaining, meaning Porto must win to stand any chance of chasing down the leaders.
It won’t be easy for Porto to defeat Benfica, though, as the Eagles have lost just one of their 26 league matches this season, picking up 23 wins and two draws along the way.
On top of that, Benfica boast the best offensive and defensive records in the division, having scored 67 goals while conceding only 14.
Benfica have also avoided defeat in each of their 20 home games across all competitions this term, racking up 18 wins in the process.
Having secured 10 successive league wins – keeping eight clean sheets during that period – Benfica are undoubtedly the strongest team in Portugal right now.
That said, Porto will fancy their chances of overcoming Benfica, as the Dragons have only lost three of their 26 league encounters this season.
Porto also head into Friday’s clash on a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions, having recorded three wins and two draws since their last loss.
It is also worth pointing out Porto have lost just two of their last 29 matches in all competitions, winning 13 of their previous 17.
After avoiding defeat in 11 consecutive away league outings, the Dragons are one of very few teams capable of upsetting Benfica on home soil.
Head-to-head: Believe it or not, Benfica have only managed to win one of their past 10 matches against Porto in all competitions.
Porto have won four of their previous seven league meetings with Benfica, scoring over 1.5 goals in three of those victories.
Team news: Benfica forward Goncalo Guedes remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Julian Draxler and Mihailo Ristic are both doubts for Friday.
As for Porto, there are question marks over the fitness of Pepe, Joao Marcelo and Joao Mario, while Evanilson will miss Friday’s clash due to a muscle injury.
Although the Eagles are flying high at the summit of the standings, Porto’s recent record in this fixture gives them a great chance of triumphing on Friday.
For that reason, Forebet predicts that Porto will continue their impressive run against Benfica, with the Dragons claiming the bragging rights on this occasion.
