A Derby Of Epic Proportions

This Sunday at Estadio Da Luz is not just any ordinary Sunday, it is Derby Day! The almighty Benfica (1st) will host Sporting (9th)

On my December 9th blog, I briefly touched on the history of the Lisbon Derby, this derby match will not only be a big match for Benfica but a win against a better looking Sporting will have Benfica breathing a little better with a 4 point advantage over FC Porto.

The Reality For Sporting

Sporting are still trying to finish in the top 5 of the Liga Zon Sagres to qualify for European competition next season. A win against Lisbon rivals Benfica will begin not only their path to Europe but will be the highlight of their season. A win against Benfica will be as important to Sporting if they had won the league.

Besides a change in President and ex-Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira calling the shots , here are some key players to watch out for on the Sporting squad:

Ricky Van Wolfswinkle has 12 goals this season and although he is making a summer exit to Norwich, he has promised the Sporting fans that he will continue to give his best until the end of the season.

Rui Patricio is the heart and soul of this team. You have to admire Patricio for sticking it out with the club that made him through these tough times. He will wear his hear on his sleeve throughout this game in hoping to frustrate Benfica. 

The Reality For Benfica

On December 9, 2012 Benfica won 3-1 to Sporting away at the Alvalade. This was the day that Cardozo scored a hat - trick and surpassed his 100th goal mark at Benfica. 

The last League game Benfica lost was away to Sporting on April 9th, 2013. Also, the last time Sporting beat Benfica at Luz was in 2005. 

Benfica will have to go into this game forgetting about the fact that it is a derby match. If they play their best 11 and perform the way they have throughout the season then they will prevail victorious. A win will get Benfica closer to the title and more importantly frustrate FC Porto some more.