Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
Sporting CP will be aiming to move one step closer to winning the title when they face Belenenses at their Estadio Jose Alvalade on Matchday 28. The Lions recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win over Farense at the weekend, with the team regaining a much-needed confidence. Since Porto are still breathing down their neck, we are positive that the league leaders will fight tooth and nail against O Belem.
Morocco international Feddal remains on the sidelines with injury, but he should be the only absentee in the home team. It has to be noted that the capital club are after their 11th home win of the process. Belenenses, on the other hand, did well to beat Maritimo 2-0 in their last league match, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry against the title-chasing Lions. Cassierra is rated doubtful for the game, while Kau is definitely out of contention through injury.
Highlighted Player (Sebastian Coates):
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, on October 7, 1990, Sebastian Coates is a 196-cm-tall defender who plays for Sporting CP in Primeira Liga. Coates is the product of the hometown club Nacional, and it has to be noted that he scored eight goals in 60 appearances for the capital club in the national championship.
After ending his spell with English club Sunderland, the Uruguay international moved to Portugal, signing a loan deal with Sporting CP in January 2016. He signed a permanent contract with the Lions in February 2017.
Speaking of his international career, Sebastian Coastes made his full Uruguay debut against Chile at the 2011 Copa America. La Celeste won the trophy, with the team beating Paraguay 3-0 in the final of the competition at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires. Coates wears the number 4 shirt at Sporting CP, and his preferred foot is right.
Highlighted Team (Belenenses):
Founded on September 23, 1919, Belenenses are a Portuguese club that host their rivals at Estado do Restelo. The stadium can hold up to 19,856 spectators and it was built in 1956. O Belem play home games in blue shirts and white shorts and white is the dominant colour of their away kit.
By beating the likes of IFK Goteborg and Rheindorf Altach Belenenses booked their place in the Europa League group stages in the 2015/2016 season. Despite defeating Swiss side Basel in their group, the Portuguese club eventually finished the process in the last position in the standings.
The Estado do Restelo outfit did well to win the Primeira Liga trophy in the 1945/1946 season, with the team finishing the season only one point clear of second-placed Benfica. Speaking of the Portuguese Cup, Belenenses clinched their third Taca de Portugal trophy in the 1988/1989 season. Vitor Godinho is the player with most appearances for the club (272).