Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
There will be fireworks when Sporting CP and Benfica face each other in a highly-anticipated local derby. The Lions do not want to give up on their title dream, with the team eyeing their sixth consecutive league win. Former PSG winger Pablo Sarabia, who scored a brace in a 3-1 win over Tondela, will be the man to watch in the home team, while important midfielder Joao Palhinha is back from suspension.
The Eagles, on the other hand, aim to build on a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Belenenses. Benfica have little to play for in the season finale as they are stuck in 3rd place, which is probably the main reason why home win should be considered. Both Lucas Verissimo and Pinho missed the last league match with injuries, and the duo is rated doubtful for the Lisbon derby. Darwin Nunez, who scored a hat-trick against O Belem, is likely to prove a handful for the opposition back-line.
Highlighted Player (Sebastian Coates):
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, on October 7, 1990, Sebastian Coates is a 196-cm-tall defender who plays for Sporting CP in Primeira Liga. Coates is the product of the hometown club Nacional, and it has to be noted that he scored eight goals in 60 appearances for the capital club in the national championship.
After ending his spell with English club Sunderland, the Uruguay international moved to Portugal, signing a loan deal with Sporting CP in January 2016. He signed a permanent contract with the Lions in February 2017.
Speaking of his international career, Sebastian Coastes made his full Uruguay debut against Chile at the 2011 Copa America. La Celeste won the trophy, with the team beating Paraguay 3-0 in the final of the competition at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires. Coates wears the number 4 shirt at Sporting CP, and his preferred foot is right.
Highlighted Team (Benfica):
Member of the ‘Big Three’ clubs in Portugal alongside FC Porto and CP Sporting, Sport Lisboa e Benfica are the football club that has never been relegated from the Primeira Liga. The club is nicknamed Aguias because of the Eagle symbol atop the club’s crest. Benfica play their home games at the Estadio da Luz which replaced the original one in 2003 and which boasts the capacity of more than 64,000. Arguably the most successful club in Portugal, Benfica have won a record of 35 Primeira Liga titles and also a record 25 Taca de Liga and 7 Taca da Liga trophies.
Two-time European Cup winners, Benfica are the club known for their diligent work with youth players, many of which went on to make great careers abroad. The most prominent players to wear a Benfica shirt are legendary Eusebio, Manuel Bento, Jorge Tavares and most recently Javier Saviola, Nuno Gomes, David Luiz and Angel Di Maria.