Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica Predictions

• Sporting have lost two and drawn one of their four Primeira Liga matches since Ruben Amorim’s departure 
• Benfica are unbeaten in nine matches, scoring 23 goals in that run
• The visitors’ only away loss in ten outings came by a narrow 1-0 margin at German giants Bayern Munich

Sporting set for further struggles

Ruben Amorim’s final game in Portugal before departing for Manchester United saw Sporting beat Braga 4-2. That must feel like an age ago now, though, as the Portuguese champions have missed his influence greatly since. 

Sporting have won just one of their four Primeira Liga matches since his departure, with replacement Joao Pereira already being sacked and replaced by Rui Borges. That sole victory a far-from-convincing 3-2 win over relegation candidates Boavista – while they have also lost both of their Champions League outings since Amorim’s exit. 

A 5-1 home loss to Arsenal is included in that run, as are defeats to Santa Clara and Moreirense, suggesting Sunday’s visit from the Primeira Liga leaders is unlikely to bring much joy. 

Back Benfica to remain top

Benfica leapfrogged Sporting to take top spot in the Portuguese top flight on Monday and they look set to retain their place at the summit into the new year. 

Bruno Lage’s men are unbeaten in nine matches, winning seven games in a run which has seen them score 23 goals, and their away form means they have nothing to fear on their short cross-capital trip.

Last season’s runners-up have only lost to Bayern Munich in their last ten away games, suggesting they have enough about them to beat the champions, Sporting, and take a huge step towards regaining the title from their rivals by opening up a four-point gap on the hosts.