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| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
BENFICA  Artur M. Pereira, Miguel Vitor, Garay, Emerson Javi Garcia Gaitan, Witsel, Aimar, Bruno Cesar Rodrigo | SPORTING  Patricio Pereira, Onyewu, Polga, Insua Andre Santos Matias, Schaars, Elias, Capel Van Wolfswinkel |
Benfica captain Luisao is expected to sit the match out after picking up a muscular problem in the Champions League draw with Manchester United in midweek, while Enzo Perez is unavailable for the match as he battles a knee injury.
Sporting defensive duo Emiliano Insua and Alberto Rodriguez are in doubt for the match with minor knocks, while Fabian Rinaudo, Jeffren Suarez and Marat Izmailov have all been deemed unfit for the encounter as they continue their recovery from their respective injuries.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Benfica are joint second in the Portuguese Liga, on 24 points, while Sporting CP sit third, with one point fewer.
- Benfica have won their last five matches against Sporting, scoring 12 goals and conceding two.
- Oscar Cardozo has netted six goals against Sporting since he joined Benfica, in 2007.
- Benfica have the best home record in the league, while Sporting are the strongest side on the road.
- The Estadio da Luz outfit are the only club, together with Barcelona, who are competing in a Uefa tournament and have not yet lost a single official match this season.
- Sporting have won their last seven league encounters.
- Ricky van Wolfswinkel is joint second in the league's scoring charts on seven goals, only behind Maritimo's Baba, who has eight goals.
- This will be Sporting coach Domingos Paciencia's 150th Portuguese Liga match as coach. His record stands at W66 D42 L41.
Editor's Prediction
Benfica 1-0 Sporting Lisboa
