On 11 December, 2016, at 19:00, Benfica will play against Sporting in the central match of the round in Premeira, on Estadio da Luz stadium in Lisbon.
Benfica have revived the intrigue in anticipation of the crucial match against Sporting, by having been defeated for the first time. The defeat against Maritimo, 2:1, has interrupted the Eagles’ 11 match streak in all tournaments. Before that, Benfica beat Moreinense, 3:0, Pacos de Ferreira, 3:0, and Belenenses, 0:2, also having a tie with Porto, 1:1. As a result, Benfica occupy the first place in the tournament table with 29 points and the goal difference of 27-7.
After a number of failures of Sporting, the Lions have gained a pretty good shape and have come close to the leader. Thus, within the last 5 matches, Sporting have gained 11 out of 15 possible points, having a draw with Tondela, 1:1, Nacional, 0:0, and also winning over Arouca, 3:0, Boavista, 0:1, and Setubal, 2:0. Eventually, having 27 points and 23-10 goal difference, Sporting holds the second place in the tournament table, falling behind Benfica by 2 points.
The history of the last five encounters between the teams is in favor of Sporting. Thus the lions won 3 games, with one draw and one defeat. Benfica have got 4 victories in 5 matches, having performed with total score of 14:2. Sporting have slightly worse statistics in away games. Benfica will probably use the opportunity to get away from Sporting, because in case of a loss, the Eagles will lose the leadership.
Prediction for the match: Benfica to win with 0.0 Asian handicap.