Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
Sporting CP will look to keep their 100% record in the new Primeira Liga intact when they take on Famalicao on Matchday 3. The Lions made a promising start to the season, but they need to keep on making progress if they are to regain the silverware. The opposition back-line should have experienced forward Paulinho at bay as the 30-year-old scored a hat-trick in a 2-1 win over Casa Pia at the weekend. Defender Jerry St. Juste faces race against the clock to bet fit for Sunday’s clash.
Famalicao, on the other hand, shocked Braga in their opener, with the team sharing the spoils with Moreirense in their second game of the season. Anyhow, home win should be considered as Sporting emerged triumphant in each of their last four meetings with Famalicao in all competitions. Pablo Felipe is banned for the match, while fellow midfielder Theo Fonseca should miss out with an ACL 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 (Famalicao):
Founded on August 21, 1931, Famalicao are a Portuguese football club that compete in the Primeira Liga. The colour of their home kit is white, with the team wearing blue shirts and blue shorts when playing on the travels.
Famalicao welcome their rivals at Estadio Municipal 22 de Junho Vila Nova de Famalicao, the venue with the capacity of 5,307 people. The stadium was opened in 1952 and ever since has been serving as the team’s home ground. Famalicao are owned by Quantum Pacific Group, the company which has a 32% share of famous La Liga side Atletico Madrid as well.
The Azuis e Brancos secured promotion to Primeira Liga for the first time in the 1946/1947 season and they returned to the Portuguese elite division in 2019. Famalicao recorded a 2-0 win over Santa Clara on their return to the Portuguese top flight, with Toni Martinez and Anderson finding the net for the visitors.