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FC Porto vs Benfica Prediction & Betting tips
The top match between the two most successful teams of Portugal is on Friday’s program. FC Porto is the list-leader with 32 points, but Benfica follows three points. In a win, Porto shares a huge blow to her pursuer, but when Benfica takes the points, the score is drawn back.
FC Porto :
FC Porto proved itself a very bad service last weekend. Os Dragões (the Dragons) did not go further than 1-1 when they visited the PhD student Desportivo das Aves. Halfway through the game there was still no dirt in the air. After a hit by right-backer Ricardo Pereira, at the end of the striker Tiquinho Soares, who was retreated from an injury, Porto got a head start.
By a stupid red card from the Mexican Jesús Corona, who took two yellow cards within ten minutes, the team of Sergio Conceição called the problems over themselves. Vitor Gomes made the equalizer after an hour of play, after which Porto failed to make the much-needed second goal.
Due to the draw, which is only the second loss this season, the lead to the nearest pursuer Sporting has been reduced to two points and at number three Benfica to three points. Nevertheless, the score of 32 out of 12 matches is very impressive.
It is tradition in Portugal that in the run-up to a classic, the necessary celebrities from both clubs will speak to shed light on the upcoming clash. Among others, ex-Porto players Helton, Maniche and Deco were reviewed. Although not all surprising FC Porto were the favorite, all considered O Clássico as one of the biggest games they had played in their careers.
Trainer Conceição can at least have a fully fit selection. So Tiquinho Soares is back after almost two months injury and the other option in the front line Moussa Marega is also fit again. With top scorer Vincent Aboubakar also at his disposal, Conceição has a real luxury problem. Only Corona is suspended because of his red card against Aves.
Benfica :
Where the European campaign ended in a real funeral march, Benfica has excellently picked up in its own country. The deficit at FC Porto had already risen to five points at an early stage of the competition and because Porto continued to win its matches, Benfica did not have a chance to close the gap. However, it also won four times in a row and due to the point loss of Porto against Aves, the gap has shrunk to three points. At a victory in the Estádio do Dragão the gap is even completely closed.
As Aguías (the Eagles) knew in any case a good general for the clash of next Friday. In the own Da Luz, Vitória Setubal was beaten no less than 6-0. The goals came in the name of Luisão, Salvio, Almeida, Zivkovic and Jonas (2x). Because of his double stroke, Brazilian striker reached the magical limit of 100 goals for Benfica.
Jonas is well on track this season: he scored so far fifteen times this campaign. In the big European competition, only Edinson Cavani is more accurate. Jonas expressed his expectations about the Classic: “I hope everyone can enjoy the Classic, it will be a biggest game of which in addition to us, Portuguese football will be the winner.”
As with her opponent, the Benfica infirmary has been emptied in recent weeks. Ruí Vitória will also need the full power of the selection in order to be able to put FC Porto on fire. Benfica did not win the last five meetings. Last year, in the year that Benfica crowned national champion, both encounters ended in a draw. Both at home and at home, the game ended in 1-1.
FC Porto vs Benfica head to head matches
01.04.17 PL Benfica FC Porto 1 : 1
06.11.16 PL FC Porto Benfica 1 : 1
12.02.16 PL Benfica FC Porto 1 : 2
20.09.15 PL FC Porto Benfica 1 : 0
26.04.15 PL Benfica FC Porto 0 : 0