Simply put, any time each of the "Big Three" sides in Portugal meet up, it is a huge event in itself. Today, it will be Porto taking on Sporting, with each side having experienced different fortunes in their domestic and continental campaigns so far this season.
For the hosts, they are still in contention to seal a spot in the Champions League last eight after scoring a vital away goal to draw Swiss outfit Basel in their first leg, courtesy of a smoothly-converted second-half penalty by Danilo. In terms of the league, they not only are unbeaten in their last four games but also have out-scored their opponents by 10 goals to nil.
Here is how Porto and Sporting are placed in the table ahead of today's clash
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Meanwhile, the visitors unfortunately are out of European competition after failing to find a way past German side Wolfsburg. Despite being unbeaten in the league since November 1, 2014, they are still well behind league leaders Benfica due to a series of numerous draws, meaning that whilst one point was won, two were dropped. Additionally, they have won just once in their last five matches across all competitions, maning that they will certainly need to get back on track as they resume their focus on league competition.
Should they win today, they would certainly close some ground on second-placed Porto, but a loss could put them in an uncomfortable predicament as they would be just one point ahead of Sporting Braga, who occupy fourth place and would be eager to break the "bigger" teams' hold on those top three spots.
For Porto, given that Benfica are currently seven points ahead, a win will be crucial if they wish to have a distant chance at catching them in this season's title race.
The reverse fixture between these two Portuguese giants ended as a 1-1 draw. However, whilst Sporting currently sit five points behind Porto, it is interesting to note that in their last five meetings across all competitions, the Dragões have only been able to beat the Leões once, a 3-1 win in the league back on October 27, 2013.
The most recent time Porto welcomed Sporting ended as a 3-1 loss for the hosts in the Taça de Portugal. Will the visitors again be able to hand them defeat in front of their home fans? Or will they try to keep within touching distance of Benfica with another win on the trot?
You will have to tune in to find out!
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