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. 

 

Benfica linked once again to Boca Juniors winger

According to reports coming from Argentinian TV channel TNT Sports, Benfica are currently in the process of preparing an offer for Boca Juniors winger Sebastian Villa. Benfica have been previously linked with the 24 year old Colombian during this past summer transfer window but no deal materialized between the two clubs. Villa is currently signed with Boca until the end of 2024 and has a reported €33.5M buy out clause.

Villa has been a member of the Argentinian club since the summer of 2018 and has appeared in 89 games across all competitions, scoring 14 goals while adding 14 helpers. The price tag for Villa is quite high and with Benfica looking to bolster their midfield this summer, this move does not make the most financial sense unless the club is able to get a significant discount from the Buenos Airos club.

Benfica make offer for Portimonense striker Beto

Benfica have made their first approach for Portimonense striker Beto with an €8M offer to purchase the 23 year old. Benfica made the offer to the Algarve club after their recent outing in Week 28 were Beto opened the scoring for Portimonense his 11th league goal of the season. Portimonense are said to be open to only selling 70% of the players rights but are looking for more then the €8M offer and with other clubs like German side Wolfsburg and Portuguese clubs Sporting and FC Porto linked to the player it could drive the price for the Lisbon born striker further.

Beto spent the majority of his youth career with Uniao Recreativa e Desportiva de Tires in Lisbon but did spend a season with Benfica back in 2011. Beto would move to Montijo were he caught the eye of Portimonense after scoring 21 goals in 36 contests. Beto would join Portimonense in the summer of 2019 and spent the majority of the 2019/20 season with Portimonense's Under 23 side were he would finish third in league scoring. Beto is signed with Portimonense until the summer of 2023 so Benfica will need to increase their initial bid if they hope to land the upcoming star.