A heavyweight clash between two giants of Portuguese football will take place on Friday evening (20:15) at the Estadio da Luz, as Benfica play host to Porto.

Only one point separates the sides in the standings coming into this clash – the hosts are currently in third place, with Porto one spot above them. The visitors are yet to taste defeat and are only behind league leaders Sporting Lisbon on goal difference.

Team News

Benfica were without Angel Di Maria for their recent trip to Portimonense, and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to feature on Friday.

Petar Musa is also a slight doubt after being withdrawn at half time in the same contest.

As for Porto, Zaidu Sanusi and Ivan Marcano both remain on the treatment table, while Pepe missed their contest against Gil Vicente and is also a doubt for Friday’s encounter.

Benfica to win @ 11/10

Benfica got the better of Porto to win the Primeira Liga last season, finishing two points clear at the summit, and I fancy them to come out on top once again on Friday night.

Both teams have made a solid start to the new campaign with Porto unbeaten after six matches, having collected 16 points, while defending champions Benfica are only one point inferior following five wins and one defeat.

However, Porto are yet to put a statement victory on the board, while their hosts head into this match with more momentum behind them after winning five consecutive league games.

In addition, Roger Schmidt’s side have dropped points in only two of their last 19 home league matches, and they have won the last five to nil.

Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6

With not much to separate the two sides, I’m expecting goals at both ends of the pitch here.

Benfica have netted 16 goals across their opening six league games, and have scored at least twice in each of their last nine league outings.

It’s also a similar story for Porto, who have scored at least two goals in five of their seven contests this season across all competitions.

I think the visitors have enough firepower to breach a solid Benfica defence, while the hosts can’t seem to stop scoring at the moment.