On Friday night, Primeira Liga leaders Sporting CP will look to move closer to the Portuguese title as they travel to Gil Vicente in what could be a big game for both teams.
Gil Vicente looking to end their torrid spellThe home team head into this clash on the back of a six-game winless run in the Primeira Liga, including three straight defeats in the Portuguese top-flight.
Gil Vicente is currently in 13th place in the table, just two points clear of the league’s bottom three.
The most significant factor in the three-game losing streak has been a leaky defence, as they have conceded at least two goals in all three consecutive defeats.
Vitor Campelos’ team is winless in four home games in the Primeira Liga, having picked up just two draws and suffered two defeats.
Their recent home games in the Portuguese top flight have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in eight of the previous nine matches on home soil.
Sporting took a big step towards the title against BenficaThe club from the Portuguese capital recorded a potentially vital 2-1 home win over city-rivals and reigning champions Benfica. The win also moved Sporting four points clear of the Eagles with a game in hand.
The win against their rivals means that Sporting are unbeaten in their last 14 Liga games, having recorded 13 wins and one draw. They have also recorded five straight victories in the Primeira Liga.
Sporting have been highly prolific in the Portuguese top-flight, scoring at least two goals in their last 16 matches in the Primeira Liga.
The visitors are unbeaten in their last seven away games in the Liga, having recorded six wins and a draw.
What am I backing?Sporting CP has been in formidable form of late, and I am backing Ruben Amorim’s team to record a victory in this clash.