Held on December 29, 2024 at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, the derby between Sporting and Benfica will be among the most exciting football events in Portugal. Starting at 20:30 GMT+0, this Liga Portugal Round 16 game Well-known Portuguese referee Verissimo F. will officiate the game. With a 50,466 stadium capacity, this much awaited collision is certain to draw ardent supporters from both sides. Expect a sharp and technical football match as the teams fight for supremacy in this pivotal period of the season.
Both teams have lately displayed different strategies, which adds mystery to an already intense competition. While Benfica seeks to maintain their advantage, Sporting, hosting this derby, will try to retake their top of the league position. Given the historic context of this Lisbon derby and the great stakes involved, this meeting promises elite football drama.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
The Sporting vs Benfica prediction today is fueled by their contrasting form and recent results. Benfica comes into the game with an undefeated run while Sporting battles inconsistency. With both clubs scoring in their last six encounters, head-to- head numbers show a trend of highly scoring games. Injuries to important sportsmen could swing the scales in Benfica’s advantage, with their better and healthier team. Given Portugal’s best team’s frantic need to grab three points and assert their claim, this Derby will probably be fierce.
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Current Liga Portugal standings for Sporting vs Benfica December 29, 2024
Before diving into the detailed form of each team, here’s an overview of their current standings and how this match could shape the title race:
Sporting CP Results
Sporting enters this derby after a turbulent period, marked by inconsistent performances. Below is a summary of their last five matches across all competitions:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 22/12/24 | Liga Portugal | Gil Vicente vs Sporting | 0-0 | D |
| 18/12/24 | Taça De Portugal | Sporting vs Santa Clara | 1-1 | D/W (after penalties) |
| 14/12/24 | Liga Portugal | Sporting vs Boavista | 3-2 | W |
| 10/12/24 | Champions League | Club Brugge vs Sporting | 2-1 | L |
| 05/12/24 | Liga Portugal | Moreirense vs Sporting | 2-1 | L |
Sporting’s recent form reveals defensive vulnerabilities, with losses to teams they were expected to beat. Despite some impressive attacking displays, their inconsistency and injuries to key players pose challenges in maintaining momentum.
Benfica Results
Benfica approaches the derby in strong form, unbeaten in their last five matches. Here’s a breakdown of their recent results:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 23/12/24 | Liga Portugal | Benfica vs Estoril | 3-0 | W |
| 19/12/24 | Liga Portugal | CD Nacional vs Benfica | 0-2 | W |
| 15/12/24 | Liga Portugal | AVS vs Benfica | 1-1 | D |
| 11/12/24 | Champions League | Benfica vs Bologna | 0-0 | D |
| 07/12/24 | Liga Portugal | Benfica vs Guimaraes | 1-0 | W |
Keeping three clean sheets in their past five games, Benfica’s form shows a strong defensive capability. Their resilience and adaptability are shown by their capacity to grind out results far from home.
Sporting CP vs Benfica Head-to-Head Results
These Lisbon rivals have a history of closely contested matches. Here’s a look at their last five encounters:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 06/04/24 | Liga Portugal | Sporting vs Benfica | 2-1 |
| 02/04/24 | Taça De Portugal | Benfica vs Sporting | 2-2 |
| 29/02/24 | Taça De Portugal | Sporting vs Benfica | 2-1 |
| 12/11/23 | Liga Portugal | Benfica vs Sporting | 2-1 |
| 21/05/23 | Liga Portugal | Sporting vs Benfica | 2-2 |
These matches have consistently featured goals from both sides, reflecting the high stakes and intensity of this rivalry.
Predicted Starting Lineups for Sporting vs Benfica Football Match
Ahead of the much-anticipated clash between Sporting and Benfica, here are the predicted starting lineups for both teams. These projections consider recent performances, tactical preferences, and current squad availability.
Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Israel (GK), Debast (DF), Diomande (DF), Quaresma (DF), Quenda (MF), Simoes (MF), Hjulmand (MF), Araujo (MF), Trincao (FW), Gyokeres (FW), Harder (FW)
Benfica possible starting lineup:
Trubin (GK), Araujo (DF), Bah (DF), Silva (DF), Carreras (DF), Aursnes (MF), Kokcu (MF), Di Maria (MF), Akturkoglu (MF), Beste (MF), Pavlidis (FW)
Players Unavailable for Sporting vs Benfica
Both teams have several key absentees for this derby, impacting their potential lineup decisions. Below is a list of unavailable players and the reasons for their absence.
| Team | Player | Reason for Absence |
| Sporting Lisbon | Daniel Braganca | Muscle injury |
| Sporting Lisbon | Hidemasa Morita | Thigh injury |
| Sporting Lisbon | Pedro Goncalves | Muscle injury |
| Sporting Lisbon | Goncalo Inacio | Injury from Moreirense game |
| Sporting Lisbon | Nuno Santos | Knee injury (since October) |
| Benfica | Tiago Gouveia | Shoulder injury (since August) |
| Benfica | Renato Sanches | Muscle injury (missed 8 games) |
Sporting faces significant challenges with several vital players out due to injuries, particularly in midfield and defense. Meanwhile, Benfica’s absentees are fewer, but the absence of Renato Sanches could limit their midfield flexibility.
Key Points to Watch For in Sporting vs Benfica Derby
With stakes this high, several factors could shape the outcome of this match:
- Sporting’s injuries to key players like Gonçalves, Inácio, and Santos;
- Benfica’s unbeaten streak and strong defensive performances;
- Sporting’s home advantage at Estádio José Alvalade;
- Recent history of BTTS (Both Teams to Score) in their meetings;
- Benfica’s attacking depth with multiple goal-scorers;
- Sporting’s struggles against mid-table teams in recent weeks;
- Momentum shifts based on Liga Portugal standings;
- The impact of referee Verissimo F. on derby dynamics.
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Free Tips on Sporting vs Benfica
Preparing for the highly anticipated derby between Sporting and Benfica? Here are some essential tips to help you make informed predictions for this crucial Liga Portugal clash. These recommendations are tailored specifically for this match and consider unique factors that could influence the outcome.
Tips to Consider:
- Both Sporting and Benfica have high stakes in this match. Sporting is chasing their rivals to reclaim the top spot, while Benfica aims to extend their lead. Such motivation could lead to an intense and closely contested encounter.
- With both teams competing in multiple tournaments, tactical decisions like resting key players or experimenting with formations could heavily influence the match. Keep an eye on lineup announcements closer to kickoff.
- Sporting’s home ground, Estádio José Alvalade, can be an intimidating venue for visiting teams, especially in high-pressure derbies. The passionate support of Sporting fans could play a pivotal role in boosting their team’s performance.
- The match will be officiated by Verissimo F., who is known for maintaining strict control over high-stakes games. Expect potential cards or penalties, which might influence betting markets like “number of cards” or “penalty awarded.”
- Pay attention to the recent performances of key players like Benfica’s strikers and Sporting’s midfielders. Individual brilliance often decides derbies, and form players could make the difference in this high-profile clash.
These insights will provide a clearer understanding of the dynamics in play for Sporting vs Benfica, enabling you to make strategic and confident predictions.
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Match Prediction Sporting vs Benfica 2024
Given the current form of both teams and the Sporting vs Benfica odds, Benfica appears slightly better positioned to secure a positive result. However, Sporting’s home advantage and their history of resilience in big games cannot be discounted. A goal-filled affair is likely, with both teams pushing for a win to strengthen their title claims.
Our Prediction: Sporting 1-2 Benfica
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Winner | Benfica | 2.6 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.58 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.7 |
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