Porto expected to edge out Benfica in Taca de Portugal last 16

    FC Porto vs SL Benfica - 23/12/2021

    Porto expected to edge out Benfica in Taca de Portugal last 16
    23/12/21 5976

    On Thursday night, O Classico rivals FC Porto and SL Benfica go head-to-head at Estadio do Dragao in the Taça de Portugal round of 16.

    The two sides are separated by just four points in Primeira Liga, with first-place Porto leading third-place Benfica.

    Porto are among the most in-form teams in Europe at the moment. They are unbeaten in Primeira Liga this season, having picked up 13 wins and two draws.

    Not only do the Dragons boast the second-best defensive record in the divison, but they are also the second-highest scorers.

    In the Taca de Portugal, Porto thrashed Sintrense 5-0 in the third round before beating Feirense 5-1 in the previous round.

    As a result, Porto have lost just one of their last eight Taca de Portugal encounters – scoring on every occasion during that period.

    It is also worth noting that over 2.5 goals have been scored in each of Porto previous three Taca de Portugal clashes.

    On the flip side, Benfica have only lost one of their past nine Taca de Portugal matches – having finished as runners-up in last season’s competition.

    This term, the Eagles needed extra-time to get past Trofense in the third round before beating Pacos de Ferreira 4-1 last time out.

    Benfica are enjoying an impressive domestic campaign, too, having lost just two of their 15 Primeira Liga matches.

    With 46 goals to their name, they are the highest scorers in the Portugal’s top flight. They also have the third-best defensive record in the division.

    Head-to-head: Porto are currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten streak against Benfica across all competitions. They have claimed four wins and two draws since their last loss.

    Each of the past eight matches between Porto and Benfica have produced over 1.5 goals, so we should see plenty of action on Thursday.

    Team news: Porto are still without centre-back Ivan Marcano as he continues to recover from foot surgery.

    As for Benfica, they currently have three players sidelined through injury – Rodrigo Pinho, Lucas Verissimo and Nemanja Radonjic.

    Although both Porto and Benfica are enjoying an impressive season, the Dragons are should be too strong for the Eagles.

    Forebet predicts that both teams will score on Thursday. However, Porto are expected to come out on top.

    Home team
    Away team
    Probability %
    1X2
    Pred
    Correct score
    Avg. goals
    Weather conditions
    Coef.
    Score
    Live
    coef.
    PtC
    373528
    12-1
    2 - 1
    2.92
    14°
    2.05
    2.05 3.30 3.20 no no no
    FT
    3 - 0(3 - 0)
    -
    - - -

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