The Primeira Liga returns with a high-profile fixture after the conclusion of the international break

The Portuguese Primeira returns with a bang following the hiatus instated by the international break. After just four gameweeks, the top half of the competition is gradually shaping up as three of the favorites to win the title are already making their intentions clear with the kind of results they have accrued. Benfica's bid to clinch the league title for the first time since the 2018/2019 season seems to be heading in the right direction with wins over Moreirense, Arouca, Gil Vicente and Tondela putting them atop the table.

FC Porto and Sporting CP following suit with an unbeaten run that has secured them 10 points apiece. Unless a drawn outcome is recorded, one of the aforementioned pair could lose its unbeaten run before begining their respective campaigns in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

League standings ahead of Matchday 4 - Top 5

Top Primeira Liga games to watch this weekend 

Sporting CP vs FC Porto: The two sides will rekindle their rivalry in the Primeira Liga in a highly-anticipated round five fixture inside Estadio Jose Alvalade on Saturday. With both teams locked on 10 points apiece, the clash has what it takes to be a classic while potentially influencing the final outlook of the table. Sporting approach the game on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Famalicao whereas Porto returned to winning ways against Arouca after sharing the spoils with Maritimo in the game before their last outing.

Santa Clara vs Benfica: The league leaders will travel to Estadio de Sao Miguel to take on Santa Clara on Saturday and will aim to consolidate their spot atop the table. The latter are the only team in the league to have secured four wins on the bounce and will be eager to extend the run against their opponents with whom they have won just a game across the last three meetings.

Pacos de Ferreira vs Braga: Braga are widely regarded as outsiders in the quest to secure the Primeira title and are slowly making signiificant strides in the campaign. So far, they have managed seven points from a possible 12 and would very much like to extend the unbeaten streak to three. On the part of Pacos, a win should propel them above Braga as they target a favorable finish at the end of the season.

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Who is in and who is out?

FC Porto: Ricardo Horta (Home)

André Castro (Unknown Injury)

Benfica: Ferro (Muscle injury)

Braga: David Carmo (Ankle Fracture)

Sporting CP: Marko Grujic (ankle), Agustín Marchesín (feet), Nuno Mendes (sold).

Primiera Liga Matchday 5 fixtures