The 'Special One' famously attempted to downplay the importance of that rivalry and the one with Porto when he joined the Portuguese giants earlier this year.

Mourinho’s psychological tactics?

"I don’t believe they (Porto and Sporting) would be upset if I said that after joining Benfica, I spoke with Porto president Andre Villas-Boas and Sporting president Frederico Varandas," he explained.

"If we maintain a good relationship, if we are friends and respect each other, my role as Benfica coach doesn’t mean I’m here to start a war."

That gesture probably won’t hold much weight if Mourinho ends up letting the occasion overwhelm him, as he has frequently done before.

Various Barcelona vs Real Madrid and Chelsea vs Arsenal matches were always intense, largely due to the Portuguese’s mind games.

A draw would benefit Porto

Flashscore’s Mario Rui Ventura thinks that the 62-year-old’s presence might even tip the scales in Benfica’s favor.

"The Mourinho factor could be crucial in this match," he commented.

""The Lisbon derby is often decided by fine margins, and this could be one such instance.

"Additionally, Benfica playing at home and trailing in the standings adds extra pressure on the Eagles for this fixture."

At present, Mourinho’s former club, Porto, leads the table, having won 11 and drawn one of their 12 matches so far.

They are three points ahead of Sporting and six points clear of Benfica, and would likely welcome a draw in Friday’s epic showdown.

Benfica haven’t defeated Sporting in the league since 2023

Recent encounters favor Sporting, as Benfica haven’t beaten As Aguias in league play since November 2023.

However, Benfica remain unbeaten at home in Primeira Liga this season with three wins and three draws in six matches. In fact, they are still undefeated in the league overall, home or away, despite sitting third.

Remarkably, Benfica have not lost a league match at home since April 7th, 2023, when they lost to Porto. Their last league defeat overall was in January last season against Casa Pia.

Sporting’s away league form is almost equally impressive. Their 16-game unbeaten run away from Jose Alvalade Stadium dates back to December 2024 against Moreirense, and they have won every away match this season.

Suarez, Goncalves, and Pavlidis likely to influence the result

Sporting have scored the most goals in the league with 31, thanks in large part to the efforts of Luis Suarez and Pedro Goncalves ('Pote'), who have netted nine and eight goals respectively.

Suarez has taken the most shots for his team this season (55) and has the highest number on target (25), while Pote leads in assists (five) and chances created (32).

10 of Benfica’s 25 goals have been scored by Vangelis Pavlidis, making him the league’s top scorer. Three of these were opening goals, setting the pace for the matches that followed.

Pavlidis’ three assists are tied for the most on the Eagles with Dodi Lukebakio, and his 39 shots (20 on target) are the highest tally in the Benfica squad.

After failing to score against Sporting four times last season, the Greek striker scored the winning goal against them in the Portuguese Super Cup, and his recent form should make Mourinho reconsider searching for another forward in January.

Benfica must raise their performance levels

The Eagles need to improve their overall performance, however.

"One of Benfica’s biggest issues this season has been inconsistency," added Flashscore’s Mario Rui Ventura.

"The victory against Ajax, their first in the Champions League, might have boosted Jose Mourinho’s squad morale.

"On the other hand, Sporting is enjoying one of its best spells this season, and a win over their rivals Benfica, after losing the classic against FC Porto, could be very telling for the remainder of the season."

Both teams are closely matched in several aspects.

Sporting’s 31 goals scored, 245 total shots, 91 shots on target, and collective passing accuracy of 87% are all top of the league.

Benfica rank second in goals scored (25), total shots (202), shots on target (74), and third in passing accuracy (86%).

As Mario Rui Ventura points out: "This will be another thrilling derby with an unpredictable outcome and no clear favorite. Although Sporting sit higher in the standings and have been performing better, Benfica have home advantage, are improving, and will always have the Estadio da Luz and Jose Mourinho supporting them."

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