Benfica vs FC Porto prediction 08.03.2026 | Liga Portugal

Benfica come into Sunday's Liga Portugal in winning form after a hard-fought 2:1 win against Gil Vicente earlier this week. Andreas Schjelderup's late goal secured a vital road victory for Jose Mourinho`s side. 

In excellent form domestically, the Eagles have now won seven of their last eight league fixtures, with only two points dropped during that period. Despite remaining unbeaten from 24 games played this season Benfica remain third in the division, seven points behind Porto ahead of this weekend's crunch fixture.

Particularly strong in home matches, Benfica won each of their last five home league fixtures, while they have lost one of 29 previous home Liga Portugal fixtures since the start of last season. 

Legendary boss Mourinho has four expected absentees this week. João Veloso (shoulder) and Bruma (undisclosed) are sidelined, while Georgiy Sudakov is ruled out with a back issue. Fredrik Aursnes is also unavailable for selection.

FC Porto arrive at the Estádio da Luz after a narrow 1:0 defeat against Sporting Lisbon in the Taca de Liga earlier this week. A second-half penalty from Luis Suarez proved the difference as Sporting secured their place in the final. 

Having enjoyed near domestic dominance in the early part of the season, Porto have now lost two of their last three road games, following a shock 2:1 defeat at Casa Pia last month. Franceso Farioli's side have now failed to win three of four previous away contests.

A strong defence has laid the foundation for Porto's strong domestic campaign. The visitors conceded just eight goals in 24 league games, and retain a four point advantage ahead of Sporting Lisbon at the top of the division. 

Head coach Farioli has four absentees this weekend. Nehuén Pérez (Achilles tendon rupture), Luuk de Jong (cruciate ligament tear) and Samu Aghehowa (cruciate ligament tear) are long-term absentees, while Martim Fernandes is also unavailable for selection.