Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
Sporting CP and AVS face each other at Estadio Jose Alvalade in what is expected to be a David-vs-Goliath clash. The Lions look unstoppable at the moment, with the team eyeing their seventh consecutive win in all competitions and they must be brimming with confidence following the Champions League triumph over AVS. Goncalo Inacio is a major doubt after limping off with injury in the midweek victory, while all Vladan Kovacevic, Eduardo Quaresma, and Diogo Pinto remain in the recovery room.
The visiting side, on the other hand, have been producing fine displays at home this term, but given their poor away record, anything but a routine home win would be a big surprise. Goalkeeper Lucas Moura remains on the sidelines with injury for the visiting team. It has to be noted that the two clubs meet for the first time in the Portuguese top flight.
Highlighted Team (Sporting):
When it comes to official club members, Portugal giants Sporting Lisbon are the sixth club in the world. Commonly referred to as Leoes which is Portuguese for Lions, Sporting Lisbon were founded in 1906 and are one of the founders of the Primeira Liga.
Sporting’s main rivals are Benfica, with both teams contesting the Lisbon Derby, one of the most fierce ones in Europe. Lions play their games at Estadio Jose Alvelade in front of 50,000 people and are the third most successful club in the country with 46 titles in Portuguese competitions and a title in the European Cup Winner’s Cup from 1963-64.
During this time that is also known as the club’s golden years, Sporting Lisbon won the majority of their 18 Primeira Liga titles in total. Sporting Lisbon boasts the quality football youth academy system which has yielded world-class footballers such as Paulo Furte, Simao Sabrosa, Nani and Ballon d’Or winners Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo.