We are less than one hour away from start of the Benfica – Sporting game (19:15 Portugal time start). This season the biggest derby in Portugal is going to be especially important, since Porto is off to the races. If either, or both, of these two teams lose points today they can at least for now, forget about the Championship, because unless Porto starts losing unexpected points, they will have a considerable lead.

There is even more pressure on Benfica, since not only are we one point behind Sporting, who has already played Porto, but we are also playing at home. Maybe this time we will see Camacho actually thinking about winning the game instead of just not losing it!

Benfica will have Luisão back in the starting line-up, who is actually playing his first game in the League this season, and with his inclusion Benfica will actually gain three things:

1. The defense will be considerably strengthened
2. The midfield will gain in Katsouranis one very influential player since he will move to his regular position
3. Benfica will gain leadership on the field and in the locker room, since it is know that Luisão is a “presence”

Unlike what usually happens in these games, the Stadium of “Luz” will probably not sell-out. The fact that Benfica is on a three game winless streak probably has something to do with it. Benfica will also have a mid-week Champions League game, and that doesn´t help either.

Benfica is on a streak of 26 consecutive games without a loss in the Portuguese League, and Sporting hasn´t lost away against Benfica since Paulo Bento took over as head coach. Does this mean we will have a tie game? I will tell you after the game

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