Last time out saw Sporting CP and Porto, who sit in second and first respectively, end up canceling each other out in a two-all draw. The match also garnered a lot of attention due to the numerous red cards that were dished out due to a massive brawl, but with the two sides both dropping points, Benfica just may have a slight glimmer of hope at potentially breaking into the top two.
Here's all you need to know ahead of matchday 23.
Primeira Liga standings heading into matchday 23
Here's how the table looks ahead of the next round of fixtures.
Poz. Takım OM G B M AG YG Averaj P Form
1
Sporting CP
31
26
3
2
89
29
+60
81
BGGGG
2
Benfica
31
24
4
3
71
25
+46
76
GGGMG
3
Porto
31
19
6
6
57
26
+31
63
BGBMM
4
Sporting Braga
31
19
5
7
64
44
+20
62
MGGMG
5
Vitória Guimarães
31
18
6
7
46
32
+14
60
GMBGG
6
Moreirense
31
13
7
11
32
34
-2
46
GMMBM
7
Arouca
31
13
6
12
53
42
+11
45
BBGGG
8
Famalicão
31
8
12
11
33
39
-6
36
MBMBG
9
Casa Pia
31
9
8
14
33
44
-11
35
GMBBG
10
Farense
31
9
7
15
42
44
-2
34
GMBGM
11
Estoril
31
9
6
16
46
52
-6
33
GBMBG
12
Rio Ave
31
5
17
9
33
39
-6
32
BBBGB
13
Gil Vicente
31
8
8
15
39
50
-11
32
BGMMM
14
Boavista
31
7
9
15
35
57
-22
30
MBMMB
15
Estrela
31
6
11
14
32
49
-17
29
MBBBM
16
Portimonense
31
7
7
17
34
66
-32
28
MBBGM
17
Chaves
31
5
8
18
31
65
-34
23
MBGMM
18
Vizela
31
4
10
17
30
63
-33
22
BMMMM
Primeira Liga games you won't want to miss on matchday 23
Boavista vs Benfica: Matchday 23 kicks off on Friday with Benfica paying visit to Boavista. Initially, it seemed like the Eagles were totally out of the title race, but with Sporting and Porto playing to a two-all draw, there just may be a life-line for Benfica to force their way back into contention. Of course, it will all depend on the results Sporting and Porto's matches that will be played over the weekend, but a win for Benfica will see them temporarily move to one point behind second-placed Sporting.
Still, it may be easier said than done, as Benfica have a mixed record when playing Boavista on the road, with just nine wins from their last 25 trips (eight losses, eight draws). That being said, current Boavista boss Petit has never beaten Benfica in 14 prior attempts - 14 games, 14 losses so far - and so it will be interesting to see if the home pitch advantage will help the hosts overcome that frustrating run.
Sporting CP vs Estoril: After their 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Manchester City in their Champions League round of 16 tie, Sporting CP will have to shake that off quickly as they prepare to welcome Estoril in domestic action this weekend. Last time out saw them draw with Porto in a match that saw several players sent off, so it will be interesting to see how the Lions adjust after a very hectic week.
Moreirense vs Porto: League leaders Porto will look to maintain their unbeaten run so far this season and ensure they can continue their march towards the title when they travel to face relegation-threatened Moreirense this weekend. The Dragons will be keen on moving on after the chaos that ensued during their clash with Sporting last time out, but will face a very tricky test in their upcoming Europa League clash against Lazio.
All in all, Porto are unbeaten in their last 50 Primeira Liga matches, and to date, no team has ever completed a full season sans defeat in the Portuguese top flight. While there is still plenty of football to go, Porto's form has Portuguese football fans wondering if the Dragons will be able to achieve this impressive feat at the end of the current campaign.
Team news for matchday 23
*All info as of 17 February 2022
Porto: Wilson Manafá (knee injury), Pepe (suspended), Agustin Marchesin (suspended), Fernando Andrade (knee injury)
Sporting CP: Sebastian Coates (suspended), Bruno Tabata (suspended), Joao Palhinha (suspended)
Benfica: Haris Seferovic (leg injury), Lucas Veríssimo (knee injury), Rodrigo Pinho (knee injury)
Primeira Liga matchday 23 fixtures
