With both Benfica and Sporting CP slipping up recently, a gap has started to open up at the top of the table. As things stand, Porto remain the only unbeaten side in Portuguese football's top flight, and with Sporting CP's surprise loss last time out, Porto will look to take advantage of this and potentially extend their three point lead with a win in their game this weekend.
Here's all you need to know ahead of matchday 18.
Primeira Liga standings heading into matchday 18
Here's how the table looks ahead of the next round of games
| 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 18
Benfica vs Moreirense: Benfica have lost just three times all season, but two of those losses are from their last five games. That has seen the Eagles now slip seven points behind league leaders Porto. While there's still plenty of games to go, it's crucial that they can get back to winning ways quickly so as not to allow their bitter rivals to fully slip out of their grasp. Next up is a home clash with Moreirense, who they've lost just once to in 23 prior appearances.
Vizela vs Sporting CP: A shock 3-2 loss to Santa Clara wasn't how Sporting CP and their fans were hoping to kick off 2022. That defeat, which was their first of the 2021/22 Primeira Liga season, now means that they come into their game against Vizela three points behind Porto. However, as they're playing first, Sporting CP could temporarily close the gap until Porto take to the pitch later on Sunday. This will be the second ever meeting between Vizela and Sporting, and it's not surprising that so far, the visiting side do have the advantage from their nascent head to head record.
Belenenses vs Porto: Currently three points ahead of Sporting CP and seven ahead of Benfica, Porto will look to steal a march on their rivals as they prepare to face Belenenses on Sunday evening. Given that they've lost just five of their last 55 meetings with their upcoming hosts, and given that they've yet to lose in the Primeira Liga this season, it's safe to say that Porto will be really fancying their chances at staying ahead of the chasing pack by the time matchday 18 concludes.
Team news for matchday 18
Here's who's out or in doubt for matchday 18
*All info as of 13 January 2022
Benfica: Jan Vertonghen (COVID-19), Rodrigo Pinho (Knee Injury), Lucas Veríssimo (Knee Injury)
Porto: Iván Marcano (Foot surgery), Wilson Manafá (Knee Injury)
Sporting CP: Jovane (Unknown Injury), Pedro Porro (Muscle Injury)
