Sporting v Benfica betting preview, tips and TV channel

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The last four matches between Sporting and Benfica have finished level and another draw looks likely when the Lisbon giants clash at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Benfica go into the match five points behind leaders Porto and five ahead of Sporting, who have little chance of winning the league for the first time since 2002.

But Sporting won the Portuguese League Cup last weekend, beating Porto 3-1 on penalties in the final after a 1-1 draw, and are through to a Portuguese Cup semi-final against Benfica, with the first leg taking place at the Stadium of Light next Wednesday.

Achieving a cup double will be on Sporting's minds but they will be determined to finish as high as possible in the league and should be fully focused.

Primeira Liga standings

They have been almost faultless in home league games this season, taking 28 points from 30, and competed well in the toughest matches, drawing 1-1 away to Benfica and 0-0 at home to Porto.

Towering Dutch striker Bas Dost is Sporting's main goal threat, scoring 17 in all competitions, while veteran winger Nani and attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandez are their other danger men, scoring seven league goals each.

However, the trio may struggle to make an impact against a defensively-solid Benfica, who have kept clean sheets in six of their last eight away league games.

Benfica disappointed in their Champions League campaign, finishing well adrift of Bayern Munich and Ajax in Group E, but they have settled down since exiting the competition.

Nine wins from their last ten league games have kept them in title contention but their matches against Sporting are usually tight and this one is unlikely to be any different.

Recommendation
Draw
1pt 23-10 Hills

Bet on this match at soccerbase.com

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