Preview: Benfica's dominance in the Lisbon Derby could be put to the test
These two Lisbon sides have been battling it out for years, but over time, Benfica's dominance in the Portuguese capital has been more than evident. The Águias have claimed a record 32 Portuguese League titles, to Sporting's 18.
And although Sporting finished outside of the European spots last season, the Leões seem poised to put themselves back in the discussion for the title race.
For years now they have struggled with poor management, a number of suspect signings, as well as lack of payment to their players. Since the arrival of their new president, things have changed at the Estádio José Alvalade. The players have more confidence, they have a squad that believes in themselves and their manager, and the fans can finally smile after a long road of disappointment.
Going into the Lisbon Derby on Saturday, Benfica will have nearly stumbled into the stadium.
Their opening match against Maritimo did not end well, having fallen 2-1 to the Madeirenses, putting a lot of pressure on Jorge Jesus. The week leading up to their home match against Gil Vicente was full of tension and questions, and if not for two late goals, Jorge Jesus could really have been in serious trouble.
The Gilistas led Benfica up until the 89th minute, when new signing Markovic and Lima came to the rescue, securing the clubs first victory of the campaign.
For Sporting, the ride has been much smoother. A 5-1 victory over newly promoted Arouca in their opening match was followed by a 0-4 victory over Academica de Coimbra.
Along with their nine goals scored, new manager Leonardo Jardim seems to have brought a new belief to this Sporting side that has struggled for consistency over the last few years.
New signing Freddy Monteiro also looks set to make Sporting fans forget the departure of Ricky van Wolsfwinkel, who was the last Sporting player to score in a Lisbon Derby.
One player who will be relishing a chance to take the pitch on Saturday will be Oscar Cardozo.
The Paraguay international has not only been a key figure for Benfica since his arrival at the club, but his contributions in the Lisbon Derby have been impressive. From their previous six matches, the Benfica number seven has scored three goals.
His participation in Saturday's match is up in the air, given the fact that he only started training with the team on Monday. But Jorge Jesus made it clear on Thursday that Cardozo will be fit to at least make an appearance off the bench.
A loss for Benfica would not only be frustrating for the players, but it would leave the clubs president in a tough position. How will he react to the pressure from the fans who would have preferred to have let Jorge Jesus walk at the end of last season?
Will the red side of Lisbon be smiling tomorrow night, or will the Sporting fans get the last laugh this time around?
Watch to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Sporting CP vs Benfica on Saturday, August 31, 2013 live:
In Canada at 15:00 ET on: Sport TV Americas
Due to broadcast rights, Sport TV Americas is still not being broadcast in the USA. For viewers in African countries, you can follow the match on Al Jazeera Sport HD4.
For complete details of match listings and live score, visit the Sporting CP vs Benfica match page.
