Betfair Live Video: Eagles to soar in Lisbon Derby

Expect a hard fought derby in Lisbon this Sunday...

Reuben Thomas previews Sunday's top action available on Betfair Live Video and focuses on monster matches from Portugal and Brazil..

Benfica v Sporting CP
Sunday 19:00

This Sunday sees last year's top two from Portugal go head to head at the Estadio de Luz as Benfica host city rivals Sporting in the 'Derby de Lisboa'.

Jorge Jesus' Benfica team swept aside the competition last season as they took all the major honours in Portugal. But such a successful campaign did not go unnoticed and it lead to a raft of last years top performers being cherry picked by big European clubs.

After cashing in on so many of their stars it remains to be seen whether they will be able to keep up such high standards but certainly there start to the season has been convincing. After claiming the SuperCopa they have gone on to win their first two league games and are yet to concede.

In defence Eliseu has slotted in well next to Luisao and looks a worthy replacement for Garay and in midfield the arrival of Talisca has lessened the blow from the loss of Markovic. With Salvio, Gaitan and top scorer Lima still in the side they remain a serious force going forward.

The Benfiquistas will be at their loudest inside the Estadio de Luz on Sunday and considering they went the whole of last season unbeaten at home they will be expecting success.

Under coach Leonardo Jardim Sporting Lisbon were finally reawoken last year and after some disappointing recent seasons they are once again contenders for the title. 

Jardim left the club for Monaco over the summer but his replacement Marco Silva will be looking to continue the good work. 

Nani has returned on loan along with exciting young Scottish prospect Ryan Gould bought from Dundee and the much coveted central midfielder William Carvalho remains at the club.

In goal the outstanding Rui Patricio captains the side and upfront the main goal threat will come from Freddy Montero after his breakthrough campaign last year. He will most likely be partnered with Carlos Mane this Sunday who has already got two goals to his name and Sporting will certainly pose a threat to Benfica's strong home record.

Both teams have solid defensive units and it's likely one goal could win it for either team and the under 2.5 goals price is understandably short. With their home fans roaring them on expect the Eagles to take this first big clash of the season in Portugal.

Recommended Bets
Benfica to win @ 1.9620/21
Benfica clean sheet @ 2.427/5

Corinthians v Fluminense
Sunday 20:00
Sunday evening's pick from Brazil sees fourth play fifth in the Campeonato as Fluminense travel to Sao Paulo to take on Corinthians.

Corinthians' home form is formidable, they are undefeated in eight and scored five last time out in front of the 'Timao' fans. In the head to head record against Flu they have won five of the last six and so should be confident ahead of Sunday.

However a loss to Gremio last weekend was followed up by more disappointment in the Copa de Basil on Thursday and suddenly they seem vulnerable.

Coach Mano Menezes will have team selection problems this Sunday. Cleber has just been sold to Hamburg and Petros is serving a hefty ban for hitting a referee.

Menezes will also have to deal without top scorer Paulo Guerrero as he is suspended and his strike partner Romarinho is also expected to depart imminently, it's likely we will see a new and untested pairing of Romero and Luciano this Sunday with Jadson returning to the line up to add creativity.

Fluminense have finally picked up, after three straight losses they have won two on the bounce and at last Fred's goal drought is over.

It has been a torrid time for the much maligned Brazilian front man, since his disappointing displays at the World Cup he has been the target for fans anger and Flu fans have been calling for his exit and even attacking him and his teammates at their training ground.

New coach Cristovao Borges has stuck by his captain and will continue with the attacking combination of Rafael Sobis, Conca and five goal Cicero in support of Fred.

Flu's away record has seen them loose five of eight so far and considering Corinthians home form an away win looks unlikely however this great interstate derby has thrown up many shock results before.

Recommended Bets:
Back Corinthians @ 2.021/1