Marco Silva previews undefeated Benfica clash with league leaders Porto

Benfica head coach Marco Silva addressed the media ahead of Sunday's Clássico against FC Porto in the seventh round of the Primeira Liga. Both teams remain unbeaten in domestic competition heading into the match scheduled for 20:30 on 20 September. FC Porto sits at the top of the table with 18 points, holding a two-point advantage over second-placed Benfica on 16 points.

Silva addressed the importance of the fixture beyond the league points, noting the challenge of competing away from home.

We anticipate a difficult game like all Clássicos. Due to the scale and objectives, with great importance. It is always three points, but because of everything around the match, it has great importance. Playing away from home is an added factor for us, as it would be for the opponent the other way around. Difficult game.

Regarding squad selection and the tactical deployment of Fredrik Aursnes, Silva declined to reveal his starting lineup while noting that Aursnes has improved his physical condition after starting the previous match.

I am not going to give the starting eleven or part of the eleven. Wait a few hours. Fred has been improving, he started the last match. That was the plan. He is much better, gaining fitness. He did not play as a full-back. We know he can be a good full-back, but he will always be an excellent midfielder. We will do everything to use him in his position, regardless of the position and being good there. In the last league match he played as a full-back, for example. Tomorrow you will see the decision.