O Classico Preview - Benfica vs FC Porto

Benfica get set to host rivals FC Porto on Thursday in the O Classico, a game with many ramifications for both clubs as they battle for a place in the Champions League next season. Benfica's cross town rivals Sporting will be watching the game and cheering on their city rivals as a loss could end any little title hopes that FC Porto have on the season and give Sporting their first league title in almost 20 years.

Benfica currently trail FC Porto by four points for second place and a guaranteed place in the Champions League group stage which would garner the club a windfall of €40M, in what amounts to a must win game for the Lisbon side as a loss would almost guarantee that Benfica will need to go through the two rounds of the qualifying to earn their place along side their Portuguese rivals in the group stage.

 

Benfica probable starting lineup:

Helton Leite, Diogo Goncalves, Lucas Verissimo, Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen, Alex Grimaldo, Pizzi, Julien Weigl, Rafa Silva, Everton, Haris Seferovic

FC Porto probable starting lineup:

Marcheshin, Wilson Manafa, Pepe, Mbemba, Sanusi, Sergio Oliveira, Grujic, Otavio, Luis Diaz, Marega, Taremi

 

Benfica Player to watch:

Diogo Goncalves - The 24 year old has come into his own the second half of the season and claimed the starting spot as right back and his attacking flair will cause problems for FC Porto's back four.

FC Porto Player to watch:

Otavio - The attacking midfielder will try to take advantage of Benfica's three center back formation and find holes for his attacking counter parts.