Matchday 24 in the Portuguese top-flight is here. The action kicks off on Friday with Belenenses taking on Paços de Ferreira in the opening game of this round. However, the top teams will be called into action during the weekend.
Defending champions Sporting CP will be the first of Portugal's top three teams to take to the field, with the Lisbon giants set to face Maritimo in Saturday's second fixture. Benfica and Porto will have to wait until Sunday for their respective ties, with the Dragons in particular preparing for a tricky showdown.
Who will enjoy this round? Which teams will drop points? Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming matchday in the Primeira Liga.
Who are the top teams in the Primeira Liga ahead of Matchday 24?
| Pos. | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sporting CP | 30 | 26 | 2 | 2 | 87 | 27 | +60 | 80 | WWWWW | |
| 2 | Benfica | 30 | 23 | 4 | 3 | 68 | 24 | +44 | 73 | WWLWW | |
| 3 | Porto | 30 | 19 | 5 | 6 | 55 | 24 | +31 | 62 | WDLLW | |
| 4 | Sporting Braga | 30 | 19 | 5 | 6 | 63 | 41 | +22 | 62 | WWLWW | |
| 5 | Vitória Guimarães | 30 | 17 | 6 | 7 | 45 | 32 | +13 | 57 | LDWWW | |
| 6 | Arouca | 30 | 13 | 5 | 12 | 51 | 40 | +11 | 44 | DWWWL | |
| 7 | Moreirense | 30 | 12 | 7 | 11 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 43 | LLDLW | |
| 8 | Famalicão | 30 | 8 | 12 | 10 | 33 | 38 | -5 | 36 | DLDWW | |
| 9 | Casa Pia | 30 | 8 | 8 | 14 | 30 | 43 | -13 | 32 | LDDWL | |
| 10 | Farense | 30 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 39 | 44 | -5 | 31 | LDWLD | |
| 11 | Rio Ave | 30 | 5 | 16 | 9 | 32 | 38 | -6 | 31 | DDWDD | |
| 12 | Gil Vicente | 30 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 37 | 48 | -11 | 31 | WLLLL | |
| 13 | Boavista | 30 | 7 | 9 | 14 | 35 | 56 | -21 | 30 | DLLDL | |
| 14 | Estoril | 30 | 8 | 6 | 16 | 45 | 52 | -7 | 30 | DLDWW | |
| 15 | Estrela | 30 | 6 | 11 | 13 | 32 | 46 | -14 | 29 | DDDLD | |
| 16 | Portimonense | 30 | 7 | 7 | 16 | 34 | 64 | -30 | 28 | DDWLL | |
| 17 | Chaves | 30 | 5 | 8 | 17 | 30 | 62 | -32 | 23 | DWLLL | |
| 18 | Vizela | 30 | 4 | 9 | 17 | 29 | 62 | -33 | 21 | LLLLL |
Top games to watch on Matchday 24 in the Primeira Liga
Maritimo vs Sporting CP: This game will see the reigning champions take on a struggling Maritimo outfit. Form does not favor the home side as the hosts suffered a 1-0 defeat to Famalicao in their last league outing. In fact, O Maior das Ilha are winless in four of their last five matches, drawing two and losing the other two. As for the Lions, they returned to winning ways last weekend, beating Estoril 3-0 to make amends for their 2-2 draw with league leaders Porto and 5-0 loss at home to Man City. Amorim's men are unbeaten in their last four, but with a six-point deficit separating them and the league leaders, the Lisbon giants know they must win every game if they wish to remain in the title race. Don't miss this tie.
Benfica vs Vitoria SC: The Eagles enter this tie on the back of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 outing, having beaten Barcelona to a spot in the knockout stage. There they took on Ajax, with the two European outfits playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw. However, the focus shifts back to the Primeira Liga, with Benfica looking to make up ground on second-placed Sporting CP when they visit Vitoria Guimares. Six points separate the two Lisbon giants, meaning a slip-up on Sunday could be devastating for Nunez and Co. It should be noted that the visitors lost 3-1 in their last league game, conceding all three goals in the first half. A much-improved performance will be required if they wish to beat the Eagles.
Porto vs Gil Vicente: If Porto were ever in need of confidence, their victory over Lazio was it. While the Portuguese giants drew 2-2 on Thursday, the Dragons won 4-3 on aggregate and thus sealed progression to the UEFA Europa League round of 16. However, anyone who follows the Primeira Liga knows the league leaders aren't short on confidence. They are marching towards the league title thanks to their steady six-point lead over second-placed Sporting CP. Gil Vicente are no pushovers, however, meaning the home side cannot underestimate their weekend opponents. Expect an interesting 90 minutes of football from the table-toppers and fifth-placed team.
Who's out for Matchday 24 in the Primeira Liga?
Porto: Wilson Manafa and Fernando Andrade (injured); Marko Grujic, Pepe, Agustin Marchesin, and Mateus Uribe (suspended)
Sporting CP: Joao Palhinha, Pablo Sarabia, and Bruno Tabata (suspended)
Benfica: Andre Almeida, Lucas Verissimo, Rodrigo Pinho, and Haris Seferovic (all injured)
