FC Porto vs Benfica Prediction Adam Hakanson Pro Tipster

Current form

FC Porto's recent form has been impressive, with the team winning their last four league matches. They have scored 12 goals and conceded only three in that span, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

Recent matches

• FC Porto 3-1 Sporting CP
  Goals: Taremi (2), Otávio
• Boavista 0-2 FC Porto
  Goals: Grujić, Pepê
• FC Porto 4-0 Marítimo
  Goals: Taremi (2), Grujić, Otávio
• Portimonense 1-3 FC Porto
  Goals: Taremi, Grujić, Pepê

Key players and injuries

FC Porto's key players include striker Mehdi Taremi, who has scored 18 goals this season, and midfielders Otávio and Mateus Uribe, who have been instrumental in controlling the midfield. However, they will be without defender Pepe, who is suspended for this match due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Position in the standings

FC Porto currently sits atop the Primeira Liga table with 68 points from 27 matches, five points clear of second-placed Benfica.

Strengths and weaknesses

FC Porto's strengths lie in their potent attack, with Taremi leading the line and supported by creative midfielders like Otávio and Luis Díaz. They also boast a solid defensive unit, having conceded the fewest goals in the league. However, their weakness is their reliance on key players, and injuries or suspensions can significantly impact their performance.

Current form

Benfica has also been in good form, winning their last three league matches. They have scored nine goals and conceded three in that span, showcasing their offensive capabilities but also some defensive vulnerabilities.

Recent matches

• Benfica 3-1 Arouca
  Goals: Rafa Silva, Gonçalo Ramos, João Mário
• Vitória Guimarães 0-2 Benfica
  Goals: Gonçalo Ramos, João Mário
• Benfica 4-0 Famalicão
  Goals: Gonçalo Ramos (2), Rafa Silva, Grimaldo

Key players and injuries

Benfica's key players include striker Gonçalo Ramos, who has scored 14 goals this season, and wingers Rafa Silva and João Mário, who have contributed with goals and assists. They will, however, be without defender Lucas Veríssimo, who is out with a long-term injury.

Position in the standings

Benfica currently sits in second place in the Primeira Liga table with 63 points from 27 matches, five points behind leaders FC Porto.

Strengths and weaknesses

Benfica's strengths lie in their attacking firepower, with Ramos leading the line and supported by creative wingers like Rafa Silva and João Mário. They also have a strong midfield, which helps control the tempo of the game. However, their defense has been vulnerable at times, and they have conceded more goals than FC Porto.

Head-to-head statistics (Recent Meetings)

• FC Porto 2-1 Benfica (Primeira Liga, 03.10.2024)
  Goals: Taremi, Otávio; Ramos
• Benfica 1-1 FC Porto (Primeira Liga, 04.03.2024)
  Goals: Ramos; Taremi
• FC Porto 3-0 Benfica (Taça de Portugal, 16.01.2024)
  Goals: Taremi, Otávio, Pepê

The recent meetings between these two teams have been closely contested, with FC Porto holding a slight edge. Taremi and Otávio have been thorns in Benfica's side, while Ramos has consistently scored for Benfica against Porto. The tactical battle between the teams' managers and the matchups between key players will be crucial in this upcoming match.

Betting Odds & Coefficients

Here's a comparison of odds from leading bookmakers for the FC Porto vs Benfica match:

Bookmaker	Home Win	Draw	Away Win
Bet365	2.10	3.20	3.50
William Hill	2.05	3.30	3.40
Betfair	2.08	3.25	3.45

The odds suggest a slightly higher probability of an FC Porto win, but the match is expected to be closely contested. The Over/Under goals market is set at 2.5 goals by most bookmakers, reflecting the teams' attacking prowess.