Last time out saw Sporting CP and Porto, who sit in second and first respectively, end up canceling each other out in a two-all draw. The match also garnered a lot of attention due to the numerous red cards that were dished out due to a massive brawl, but with the two sides both dropping points, Benfica just may have a slight glimmer of hope at potentially breaking into the top two.
Here's all you need to know ahead of matchday 23.
Primeira Liga standings heading into matchday 23
Here's how the table looks ahead of the next round of fixtures.
Pos. Team MP W D L GF GA GD P Form
1
Sporting CP
30
26
2
2
87
27
+60
80
WWWWW
2
Benfica
30
23
4
3
68
24
+44
73
WWLWW
3
Porto
30
19
5
6
55
24
+31
62
WDLLW
4
Sporting Braga
30
19
5
6
63
41
+22
62
WWLWW
5
Vitória Guimarães
30
17
6
7
45
32
+13
57
LDWWW
6
Arouca
30
13
5
12
51
40
+11
44
DWWWL
7
Moreirense
30
12
7
11
30
34
-4
43
LLDLW
8
Famalicão
30
8
12
10
33
38
-5
36
DLDWW
9
Casa Pia
30
8
8
14
30
43
-13
32
LDDWL
10
Farense
30
8
7
15
39
44
-5
31
LDWLD
11
Rio Ave
30
5
16
9
32
38
-6
31
DDWDD
12
Gil Vicente
30
8
7
15
37
48
-11
31
WLLLL
13
Boavista
30
7
9
14
35
56
-21
30
DLLDL
14
Estoril
30
8
6
16
45
52
-7
30
DLDWW
15
Estrela
30
6
11
13
32
46
-14
29
DDDLD
16
Portimonense
30
7
7
16
34
64
-30
28
DDWLL
17
Chaves
30
5
8
17
30
62
-32
23
DWLLL
18
Vizela
30
4
9
17
29
62
-33
21
LLLLL
Primeira Liga games you won't want to miss on matchday 23
Boavista vs Benfica: Matchday 23 kicks off on Friday with Benfica paying visit to Boavista. Initially, it seemed like the Eagles were totally out of the title race, but with Sporting and Porto playing to a two-all draw, there just may be a life-line for Benfica to force their way back into contention. Of course, it will all depend on the results Sporting and Porto's matches that will be played over the weekend, but a win for Benfica will see them temporarily move to one point behind second-placed Sporting.
Still, it may be easier said than done, as Benfica have a mixed record when playing Boavista on the road, with just nine wins from their last 25 trips (eight losses, eight draws). That being said, current Boavista boss Petit has never beaten Benfica in 14 prior attempts - 14 games, 14 losses so far - and so it will be interesting to see if the home pitch advantage will help the hosts overcome that frustrating run.
Sporting CP vs Estoril: After their 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Manchester City in their Champions League round of 16 tie, Sporting CP will have to shake that off quickly as they prepare to welcome Estoril in domestic action this weekend. Last time out saw them draw with Porto in a match that saw several players sent off, so it will be interesting to see how the Lions adjust after a very hectic week.
Moreirense vs Porto: League leaders Porto will look to maintain their unbeaten run so far this season and ensure they can continue their march towards the title when they travel to face relegation-threatened Moreirense this weekend. The Dragons will be keen on moving on after the chaos that ensued during their clash with Sporting last time out, but will face a very tricky test in their upcoming Europa League clash against Lazio.
All in all, Porto are unbeaten in their last 50 Primeira Liga matches, and to date, no team has ever completed a full season sans defeat in the Portuguese top flight. While there is still plenty of football to go, Porto's form has Portuguese football fans wondering if the Dragons will be able to achieve this impressive feat at the end of the current campaign.
Team news for matchday 23
*All info as of 17 February 2022
Porto: Wilson Manafá (knee injury), Pepe (suspended), Agustin Marchesin (suspended), Fernando Andrade (knee injury)
Sporting CP: Sebastian Coates (suspended), Bruno Tabata (suspended), Joao Palhinha (suspended)
Benfica: Haris Seferovic (leg injury), Lucas Veríssimo (knee injury), Rodrigo Pinho (knee injury)
Primeira Liga matchday 23 fixtures
