On Saturday evening, Sporting CP will look to move closer to sealing the Primeira Liga title as they welcome struggling Portimonense. It’s fair to say it’s a big game at both ends of the table.
Sporting still in pole position despite a draw last time outThe team from the Portuguese capital heads into the final three games of the Primeira Liga at the top of the standings, five points ahead of reigning champions and city rivals Benfica.
However, a 2-2 draw at Porto last time out halted the Liga leaders' eight-game winning run in the Portuguese top-flight. The game extended their unbeaten run in the Primeira Liga to 17 matches.
Sporting’s lofty position in the table owes much to their highly potent attack, as they have scored at least two goals in 19 of their last 20 games in the Primeira Liga.
The Lions also have a formidable home record in the Liga, as they have won their last 15 games on home soil.
Portimonense looking to avoid being sucked into the relegation zoneThe visitors from the Algarve find themselves in a precarious position in the table. They currently occupy 16th place and the relegation play-off spot, five points clear of 17th place Chaves and one point adrift of 15th place Estrela.
Paulo Sergio’s team have claimed just one win in their last 12 matches in the Primeira Liga. A 2-0 home defeat by Moreirense last time out saw the visitors concede at least two goals for a fifth straight game in the Portuguese top-flight.
Portimonense have taken four points from their last two away games in the Primeira Liga. However, they have won just one of their previous five matches in the Portuguese top flight.
What am I backing?Sporting’s recent winning run may have ended against Porto last time out, but I am backing the Liga leaders for an immediate return to winning ways.
