Preview: Sporting Lisbon vs. Arouca - prediction, team news, lineups

Sporting Lisbon will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the Primeira Liga standings when they square off against Arouca on Sunday evening.

In sharp contrast, the visitors to Estadio Jose Alvalade are bidding to end a six-match winless streak in Portugal's top flight.

Match preview

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Up until Thursday night, Sporting had enjoyed almost the perfect start to the season, their only dropped points coming away at Braga when they played out a 1-1 draw in September.

However, Ruben Amorim witnessed his side lose 2-1 to Atalanta BC in the Europa League on Thursday night, failing to recover from conceding two goals before half time.

With Sturm Graz and Rakow Czestochowa the other teams in their group, Sporting will not be concerned about missing out on qualification for the knockout stages, yet being outgunned by a potential rival for the trophy will leave them to take stock.

The defeat came on the back of having to work far harder than expected to beat Farense on Saturday, Sporting blowing a two-goal lead against 10 men before prevailing through a last-gasp penalty for a 3-2 win.

At a time when they look increasingly vulnerable at the back, three of their four goals from the last two matches have come from the penalty spot, and this now feels like an important match to restore some order.

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From Arouca's perspective, their solid start to the season has since been undone, last season's fifth-placed team not building on beginning 2023-24 with one win and three draws.

Ever since Porto netted a late equaliser to scrape a 1-1 draw at their home ground, Arouca have failed to score a goal in defeats to Casa Pia, Famalicao and Chaves.

Although just four goals have been conceded in those encounters, they now find themselves in 13th position, just two points ahead of bottom position.

Daniel Ramos has a job on his hands to lift his team ahead of this fixture, yet he may view it as a free pass and an opportunity with Sporting's high level having dropped off over the past week.

Team News

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Sebastian Coates was only deemed fit enough for the Sporting substitutes' bench on Thursday, but the veteran defender should return to the back three for this fixture.

Ricardo Esgaio and Marcus Edwards should also be recalled, with Ivan Fresneda and Paulinho most likely to drop out of the side.

Daniel Braganca will be considered for a start in midfield should Amorim believe that his side need further fresh legs.

With key man David Simao serving a ban for Arouca, Tiago Esgaio could be deployed in a defensive-minded midfield three.

Andre Bukia could make his first start on one of the flanks, while Rafa Mujica is also in contention for a start in the final third.

Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:

Adan; Diomande, Coates, Inacio; Esgaio, Hjulmand, Morita, Santos; Edwards, Gyokeres, Goncalves

Arouca possible starting lineup:

Arruabarrena; Milovanov, Fernandes, Montero, Weverson; Busquets, Esgaio, Sylla; Trezza, Gonzalez, Bukia

We say: Sporting Lisbon 3-0 Arouca

While there is the potential for Sporting to suffer a European hangover, their motivation to remain top should serve them well. Arouca look increasingly devoid of confidence, and it would come as a surprise if Sporting do not win and win well.

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