http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 vs. Benfica: Portuguese Primeira Liga Week 6 Preview
FC Porto entertain arch-rivals Benfica at Estadio do Dragao on the Friday, September 23, 2011. The winner of the big game is going to the top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga standings.
FC Porto:
The reigning champions of Liga Sagres and the proud winners of the quadruple, Porto, have had an almost perfect start to the season with the only minor blip being the 0-0 draw at Feirense.
Vitor Pereira’s men were written off by pundits following the sale of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Radamel-Falcao-c30276 to Atletico Madrid but the Portistas have proved their critics wrong with some solid performances.
Crucial wins against the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk and Vitoria Setubal have not only placed them on top of the standings but have also ensured that they start their UEFA Champions League campaign with three points.
However, most of the results are down to the players and one of them is Hulk, who has been nothing less than a sensation whenever he has taken to the pitch.
Taking on the scoring responsibilities from the talismanic Falcao, the Brazilian International has been in red-hot form this term. Finding the back of the net four times already, Hulk is one of the feared players in the league and looks set to continue his
domination over the rest of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984.
Benfica:
The Eagles do not only match the quality of the Porto players but going into this match, the momentum is definitely on their side.
Jorge Jesus’ men have been very consistent this season and they can now boast of even giving English powerhouses, Manchester United, a run for their money.
United were lucky to emerge with a share of the spoils at Estadio da Luz in their UEFA Champions League after a terrific performance from the home side nearly caused a major upset.
In their following fixture, Benfica showed their quality by orchestrating a 4-1 thrashing of Academica, a feat which placed them on level terms with Porto.
Team News:
FC Porto:
Boosted by the return of South American stars, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Álvaro-Pereira-c5297, the Dragons will enter the game exuding confidence.
Both players were reportedly sidelined for the vital tie, but in a turn of events they recovered earlier than expected and are definitely going to be a part of the starting line-up.
Hulk and Kleber are likely to be given the nod upfront, while Joao Moutinho and Fredy Guarin will be drafted into midfield. Defensively, there is only one change as Cristian Săpunaru has been sacrificed to accommodate http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-Fucile-c19163, who is the coach’s preference
due to his tendency to stay back.
Benfica:
With the prospect of becoming table leaders, Benfica will have to be at their best away from home and they can take comfort in the fact that they do not have any major injury worries.
Manager Jorge Jesus will be able to field his strongest side as the only absentees are Enzo Perez and Nelson Oliveira.
The name first to penned down on the line-up sheet is bound to be Oscar Cardozo. The attacker has been the chief propeller of the side so far and has netted hugely impressive tally of six in the opening exchanges of the 2011/2012 campaign.
Alongside Cardozo, Nolito is also staking his claim as the club’s main forward by bagging the same amount of goals as the Paraguayan.
Major players such http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Aimar-c28938, Nicolas Gaitan and Luisao are also fit for the clash and will be pivotal for the Reds.
Key Players:
FC Porto: Hulk
Being the main attacking outlet for his side, the Dragao faithful will turn towards their Brazilian star for goals and with the form he is in, Hulk isn’t likely to disappoint.
Benfica: Oscar Cardozo
After ruining the party for Manchester United, Oscar Cardozo will be looking to do the same when he travels to Estadio do Dragao. Expect the mercurial striker to get on the score sheet regardless of the result.
Prediction:
FC Porto 2-1 Benfica
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