Sporting Lisbon will aim to extend their lead at the top of the Primeira Liga standings when they welcome Famalicao on Saturday for round 26.

The Lions have won their last two matches in the top flight, taking their tally to 59 points, three ahead of second-placed Benfica, who have a game in hand.

Match preview

© Imago

For the first time since the departure of former boss Ruben Amorim, Sporting have won three consecutive matches.

The Lions began this streak by defeating Gil Vicente in the Taca de Portugal before securing 3-1 league victories against Estoril Praia and Casa Pia.

Manager Rui Borges will be pleased with this resurgence, particularly after his side went winless in the previous five games across all competitions, including three draws in the top flight.

Sporting have now gone 12 matches unbeaten in the Primeira Liga, with their last defeat dating back to December 5, when they lost 3-1 at Moreirense under Joao Pereira.

The Green and Whites will be confident of maintaining their impressive run, particularly as they face a Famalicao side they have beaten in their last seven meetings, including a commanding 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture.

Sporting's home record this season stands at 10 wins, one draw and a single defeat, with their 31 points only bettered by Benfica, and they will hope this counts for something this weekend.

© Imago

Meanwhile, Famalicao responded perfectly to their loss at Nacional with a 1-0 victory against Rio Ave last weekend.

A 19th-minute strike from Sorriso proved decisive as Fama secured their fourth victory in seven matches, as many as they managed in their previous 18 outings.

Hugo Oliveira's men now sit ninth in the standings with 34 points from eight wins, 10 draws and seven defeats.

Their resurgence has been built on defensive solidity, having kept clean sheets in six of their last seven games, more than any other team in that period.

On the road, Vila Nova have picked up 16 points from 12 matches, ranking them as the sixth-best away side in the division, while their 18 goals in those fixtures make them the league's third-most prolific travellers, and they will hope this record counts for something as they head to Sporting this weekend.

Team News

© Imago

Morten Hjulmand returned to Sporting's starting XI last time out and is expected to feature again after providing an assist against Casa Pia.

Hidemasa Morita made his return from injury with a 26-minute cameo in that match after missing four games due to a muscle problem, and he could reclaim his place in midfield, having been a key player when fully fit.

Joao Simoes (unknown) and Daniel Braganca (cruciate ligament tear) remain sidelined, with both only expected to return next season.

Other absentees include Nuno Santos, Pedro Goncalves, Jeremiah St. Juste, Eduardo Quaresma and Alexandre Brito, leaving Sporting with several selection concerns.

Viktor Gyokeres continued his prolific form with another brace last time out, taking his league tally to 27 goals, and he will be eager to add to that when he leads the line on Saturday.

Sorriso impressed for Famalicao last time out and is likely to retain his place out wide, leaving Gil Dias and Rochinha as options from the bench.

The visitors' defensive resilience has been key in recent weeks, and coach Oliveira is expected to stick with the same back four, with Lazar Carevic between the sticks.

Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Israel; Esgaio, Inacio, Reis; Fresneda, Felicíssimo, Debast, Araujo; Quenda, Gyokeres, Trincao

Famalicao possible starting lineup:
Carevic; Pinheiro, Haas, Mihaj, Soares; Amorim, Looi; Sorriso, Sa, Aranda; Sejk

© PA Photos

We say: Sporting Lisbon 1-0 Famalicao

While Famalicao have been resilient at the back in recent weeks, Sporting's resurgence and attacking firepower — boasting a league-high 67 goals — gives them a strong chance of claiming victory, though they may have to grind it out.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi

Previews by email