FC Porto v Benfica: Probable line-ups for Liga Portugal’s seventh-round showdown

FC Porto and Benfica meet on Sunday in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the seventh matchday in Liga Portugal, with both sides expected to name strong line-ups despite several absences.

FC Porto

Diogo Costa is expected to start in goal for FC Porto.

Jakub Kiwior should feature at centre-back alongside Bednarek. The Poland internationals are set to form the central defensive partnership, with Kiwior having joined from Arsenal for 17 million euros.

Samu remains a doubt after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in February. Although he returned to action in a friendly in recent days, he is not certain to be involved against Benfica.

Costa, Sanusi, Sousa, Pietuszewski and Mec are also expected to miss the match.

Probable FC Porto XI

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa

Defenders: Alberto Costa, Nehuen Perez, Jakub Kiwior, Francisco Moura

Midfielders: Alan Varela, Pablo Rosario, Gabri Veiga

Forwards: Pepe, Andre Silva, William Gomes

Benfica

Benfica made significant changes to their squad during the summer, recording more than 100 million euros in departures and adding players including Sudakov, Circati, Kaminski and Palhinha.

Greece international Pavlidis remains the focal point of the attack and has already scored eight goals. Prestianni has also made a strong contribution, with five goals so far.

Bah, Winder and Umeh did not feature in Benfica’s previous match and are considered likely to be unavailable for Sunday’s fixture.

Soares is expected to start in goal, with Daniel Banjaqui, Araujo, Lenglet and Dahl forming the defence.

Palhinha and Barreiro are set to operate in midfield, while Rafa Silva, Prestianni and Schjelderup could play behind Pavlidis.

Probable Benfica XI

Goalkeeper: Soares

Defenders: Daniel Banjaqui, Araujo, Lenglet, Dahl

Midfielders: Palhinha, Barreiro, Rafa Silva, Prestianni, Schjelderup

Striker: Pavlidis

The match will be FC Porto’s seventh-round fixture in the Portuguese championship against Benfica.

The published betting odds list FC Porto at 2.60 to win, with a draw priced at 3.35 and a Benfica victory at 2.47.