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| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
| Porto (4-3-3): Helton; Alvaro Pereira, Otamendi, Rolando, Fucile; Fernando, Moutinho, Defour, Varela, Hulk, Kleber |
In-form James Rodriguez has been ruled out of the match as he will serve a one-match suspension after being shown a red card against Feirense last weekend. Alvaro Pereira and Hulk have both been given the green light to start the game after missing the club's last game. Alex Sandro is the only player on the list of absentees as he continues to recover from a thigh injury.
Benfica (4-4-2): Artur; Emerson, Garay, Luisao, Maxi Pereira; Javi Garcia, Witsel, Nolito, Gaitan; Aimar, Cardozo |
Nelson Oliveira will sit the match out after fracturing a finger in his left hand, while Enzo Perez is still a doubt because of a knee injury. Nolito and Bruno Cesar are vying for a place on the left wing, but coach Jorge Jesus may prefer the Spaniard, who scored a brace against Academica on Sunday.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
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In the last 10 seasons, the winner of the first league match between Porto and Benfica went on to win the championship on six occasions.
- Since the 2001-02 season, only once has the league crown not gone to either Porto or Benfica.
- Coach Jorge Jesus has won three games against Porto and lost five since taking the reins at Benfica in 2009.
- Last season's fixture ended in a 5-0 victory for Porto.
- Benfica currently have the best attack in the league with 13 goals, one more than Porto.
- Porto and Benfica currently share top spot in the league - both have secured 13 points from five games.
- Porto became the most successful Portuguese club ever last season, having now won 70 trophies to Benfica's 68.
Editor's Prediction
Porto 1-1 Benfica 
