Benfica aim for last hurrah

Present tense
Next season the fixture will take place at Benfica's new stadium, which is being built just a few metres away from the current ground. However, both sides will have the present uppermost in their thoughts as they prepare for a game that could decide the destination of the Super Liga title.

Room at the top
A Porto victory would take José Mourinho's team 13 points clear of the Lisbon club, their closest rivals in the championship race. It would also make the Dragons clear favourites to claim an 18th league title, and likely extend Benfica's wait for another crown to a ninth year. A home win would at least strengthen Benfica's claim to second place, which they hold by two points from defending champions Sporting Clube de Portugal. "I hope it makes for a great game, worthy of two clubs like Benfica and Porto," Mourinho said.

Form guide
It is hard to say which is the form team. Since José Antonio Camacho took charge in December, Benfica have won eight and drawn three of eleven league games. Another three points against Porto will not only increase their advantage over Sporting in the race for the second Champions League qualifying berth; it will also boost their chances of securing the former Spanish national coach on a long-term deal. Camacho has made it clear he is unlikely to stay on after June unless the Eagles qualify for Europe - which they have not done since 1999/00.

Porto supremacy
Meanwhile, Mourinho's men have lost just once in 23 league outings. They have quarter-final ties to look forward to in the Portuguese Cup and the UEFA Cup. And they will be keen to underline their supremacy against an attack-minded Benfica side. Camacho will rely on wingers Simão Sabrosa and Geovanni to supply darting forwards Nuno Gomes and Zlatko Zahovic.

Camacho hopes
Up against them will be the veteran defender Jorge Costa, though Porto could be without left-back Nuno Valente. Not that the visitors are without attackers of their own. Playmaker Deco will look to feed a forward line likely to contain Capucho, Derlei and Hélder Postiga. Still, Camacho insists his team will play to win: "We are at home and I hope this proves a decisive factor. I hope we can win and continue to keep our title hopes alive."