Benfica vs Sporting CP Preview

Topics: Benfica, Portuguese League, Sporting CP, Lisbon Derby

The Lisbon Derby will feature two familiar opponents, yet they both have endured completely different campaigns up until now.

Anticipation, excitement and even nerves will be just a few of the different emotions involved with this high profile match. The Estadio da Luz will host yet another Lisbon Derby, but just like in 2005 when Luisao out jumped Ricardo to grab a victory for Benfica, the Aguias could take another big step towards claiming the title.

Winners of the last five meetings between these two sides at the Estadio da Luz, the hosts will know how important it will be to make it six in a row.

A four point difference gives Benfica a slight advantage over second placed Porto. Keeping that four point lead is absolutely vital for Jorge Jesus' side, knowing that they will still travel to Porto later in the season.

"The fans are going to be very important," Garay said as he was questioned about Sunday's match.

"They are always behind us at home. It is going to be a great match, with the stadium filled to capacity, and we need to take advantage of that. It can help to make things much easier."

Going up against Benfica will not be anything new for Sporting's manager Jesualdo Ferreira. The Portuguese manager has spent time with Benfica, Porto and now Sporting, but he above everyone else will know the meaning behind this derby match.

"We need to run, play and want to win," Jesualdo Ferreira told reporters. "Our objective is to book a place in Europe next season."

"When I arrived here we were just one point above the relegation zone and now we are two points from a European spot."

Sporting's campaign has been far from perfect, but when it comes to matches of this magnitude, current form does not always come into play. The visitors will enter the match coming off their third consecutive victory in the Portuguese League, giving them some much needed confidence for the remainder of the season.

Scoreless in their last five meetings at the Estadio da Luz for the Portuguese League, Jesualdo Ferreira will be hopeful that his squad can at least find the back of the net on Sunday. Doing that may not be all that easy, considering Benfica has only conceded seven goals on their home turf this season from 12 matches.

Unbeaten in the current campaign, Benfica will look to keep that record against their same city rivals, who they have done well against as of late.

Six victories from their last nine meetings across all competitions will give Jorge Jesus' side added confidence, although the Aguias are far from short of confidence heading into this match.

Their current form has been impressive, but overlooking this Sporting side could spell trouble for the Portuguese League leaders. Wanting to remain unbeaten in the league will be a priority for the Benfica players, knowing that failure to win could see their four point advantage cut short, given Porto's victory on Saturday.