The much awaited Sporting CP vs Benfica game is scheduled on January 11, 2025 at Leiria’s Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa. The facility, with 23,888 seating capacity, will host this League Cup (Portugal), therefore establishing a significant arena for the game. Two of Portugal’s best sides square off in this scheduled kick-off at 19:45, thereby offering great action. This match will surely draw a lot of interest even if official referee assignments are still unknown because of its competitive background.
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Team News: Sporting CP
Though there have been variances in recent prediction, Sporting CP enters this game with a record that shows both their offensive power and defensive stability. The team’s limited but vital triumph against FC Porto in the Portuguese Cup proved their capacity for under pressure performance against elite opponents. Along with increasing their confidence, this victory highlighted their tactical adaptability and discipline in close quarters games.
Sporting has proved in league action that they can score in crucial moments indicated by their exciting 4-4 draw with Vitoria Guimaraes but defensive mistakes in that match revealed weaknesses Benfica may want to target. While their strikers profit from well-organized attacking moves, Sporting’s strength usually resides in the ability of their midfield to hold possession and set the pace. Breakdown of Benfica’s defense will depend much on the consistency of their key players, namely Trincão and Gyökeres.
Sporting CP Results
Sporting CP has delivered a mix of results in recent weeks, showcasing their capability to compete at the highest level. Below is a summary of their last five matches:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 07/01/25 | Cup | Sporting CP vs FC Porto | 1-0 | W |
| 03/01/25 | LP | Vitoria Guimaraes vs Sporting CP | 4-4 | D |
| 29/12/24 | LP | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 1-0 | W |
| 22/12/24 | LP | Gil Vicente vs Sporting CP | 0-0 | D |
| 18/12/24 | TP | Sporting CP vs Santa Clara | 2-1 | W |
Team News: Benfica
Riding strong on the energy of their 3-0 triumph over Braga in the Portuguese Cup, Benfica enters this game. This performance not only emphasized their offensive skills but also their capacity to rule games when in form. Key in destroying Braga’s defense were Di María’s inventiveness and Pavlidis’s precise finishing; their contributions will once again be crucial since Benfica wants to reverse the tide against Sporting CP. But the haunting memory of their recent 1-0 loss to Sporting in the league adds further pressure as they try to stop successive defeats to their Lisbon rivals.
Benfica’s on-road performance contrasts with their home record, which has been very outstanding. The club has struggled to maintain consistency away from home; defensive breakdowns and a lack of cohesiveness in high-stress situations have usually lost them vital points. Given a Sporting CP team that depends on profiting from defensive mistakes, this weakness becomes much more alarming. Under Bah and Silva’s direction, Benfica’s backline will have to provide a disciplined performance to offset Sporting’s aggressive offensive stance.
Benfica Results
Benfica’s play over the last five games has been generally good, with some slip-ups they want to correct in this game. Their latest performances are broken down here:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 08/01/25 | Cup | Benfica vs Braga | 3-0 | W |
| 04/01/25 | LP | Benfica vs Braga | 1-2 | L |
| 29/12/24 | LP | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 1-0 | L |
| 23/12/24 | LP | Benfica vs Estoril | 3-0 | W |
| 19/12/24 | LP | Nacional vs Benfica | 0-2 | W |
Sporting CP vs Benfica Head-to-Head
There is a historical rivalry between Sporting CP and Benfica; their most recent encounters were tightly contested. Their previous five head-to-head contests come together here:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 29/12/24 | LP | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 1-0 |
| 06/04/24 | LP | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 2-1 |
| 02/04/24 | TP | Benfica vs Sporting CP | 2-2 |
| 29/02/24 | TP | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 2-1 |
| 12/11/23 | LP | Benfica vs Sporting CP | 2-1 |
Sporting CP Predicted Lineup
Formation: 3-4-3
- Goalkeeper: Israel
- Defenders: Debast, Diomande, Quaresma
- Midfielders: Quenda, Simoes, Hjulmand, Araujo
- Forwards: Trincao, Gyokeres, Harder
Benfica Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-4
- Goalkeeper: Trubin
- Defenders: Araujo, Bah, Silva, Carreras
- Midfielders: Aursnes, Kokcu, Di Maria
- Forward: Akturkoglu, Beste, Pavlidis
Injured and Questionable Players
Player injuries and questionable fitness can significantly impact the starting lineup and team performance. Below is a summary of the unavailable players for this match due to injuries or other concerns.
| Team | Player | Injury |
| Sporting CP | Pedro Gonçalves | Muscle strain |
| Sporting CP | Coates | Knee injury |
| Sporting CP | Ugarte | Illness |
| Benfica | Rafa Silva | Hamstring injury |
| Benfica | Otamendi | Suspension |
| Benfica | João Mario | Ankle sprain |
These absences could lead to adjustments in tactics and lineups, making it crucial to monitor updates closer to kickoff.
Key Factors to Watch
The following points highlight critical aspects of this match that could influence the outcome:
- Injury Concerns: Sporting CP may miss key players in their starting XI, affecting their attacking rhythm;
- Home Advantage: Sporting CP’s recent home performances have been solid, including their win over Benfica;
- Benfica’s Away Form: Benfica has struggled in away matches this season, which could play to Sporting’s advantage;
- Head-to-Head Record: Sporting has won three of their last five meetings with Benfica, giving them psychological momentum;
- Goal Scoring Trends: Sporting averages 1.5 goals per game in recent matches, while Benfica’s defense has been inconsistent;
- Tactical Flexibility: Benfica’s counterattacking style will challenge Sporting’s high defensive line;
- Recent Momentum: Both teams come off wins in the Portuguese Cup, but Sporting’s win over Porto stands out;
- Key Players: Look for standout performances from [Sporting player] and [Benfica player], who have been pivotal in recent games.
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Free Tips on Sporting CP vs Benfica
Making wise predictions in the next Sporting CP vs Benfica depends on knowing the main features of the game. Analyzing pertinent facts, team dynamics, and outside variables that can affect the result takes front stage in this part. Considering these factors will help you to better predict possible outcomes and make wise bets for this much awaited League Cup game.
- Head-to-Head Trends: Examining the past games between Sporting CP and Benfica provides important new angles. Sporting clearly has a psychological advantage as they have won three of the previous five meetings, including their most recent match on December 29, 24. See trends in these matchups, including the inclination toward low-scoring games.
- Recent Team Form: Sporting CP enters this match unbeaten in their last three games, including a notable victory over FC Porto. Conversely, Benfica’s form has been slightly inconsistent, with a loss to Sporting in late December. Recent form often reflects a team’s confidence and momentum, making it a key factor to consider.
- Venue Influence: Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa will host the game; it is a neutral site devoid of home advantage for any club. But this is a fascinating consideration in determining the result given Sporting’s great away victory record and Benfica’s road woes this season.
- Player Fitness and Rotation: Team depth and fitness will play a critical role, especially with both sides having a congested schedule. Any absences or rotation of key players, such as Sporting’s attacking midfielders or Benfica’s defensive leaders, could significantly impact the game’s flow and result.
- Tactical Matchups: Sporting CP’s strong pressing approach should test Benfica’s defense, which has lately shown weakness to turnover. On the other hand, Benfica’s counterattacking tactic might take advantage of holes in Sporting’s forceful approach. This tactical collision may result in an open and interesting game.
By considering these tips, you can make well-informed predictions and identify valuable betting opportunities for this exciting showdown between two of Portugal’s top football clubs.
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Sporting CP vs Benfica Match Prediction 2025
Both sides have strengths and shortcomings, hence this match seems to be a fiercely fought event. Sporting CP is somewhat favored to edge over Benfica based on present form and previous head-to-head records, particularly considering their great home performance. Benfica’s offensive ability, however, cannot be undervalued, hence this game could rely on little margins.
Our Prediction:
Sporting CP 2-1 Benfica
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Winner | Sporting CP to Win | 2.5 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 1.97 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.87 |
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