On Sunday night, Sporting CP will look to move a step closer to winning the Primeira Liga title when they host Vitoria Guimaraes.
Sporting edging closer to the Portuguese titleThe home team are currently top of the table, seven points clear of reigning champions and arch-rivals Benfica.
A run of 16 unbeaten Primeira Liga games has undoubtedly been a significant factor in their lofty position. Last time out, they won 1-0 at Famalicao, their 15th victory in the 16-game unbeaten Liga run.
Sporting has been highly prolific in the Primeira Liga recently, scoring at least two goals in 17 of their last 18 outings in the Portuguese top-flight.
Unsurprisingly, the Lions have a strong recent home record in the Primeira Liga. Ruben Amorim’s team have recorded 14 straight home wins in the Portuguese top-flight.
Sporting’s recent stellar home record in the Primeira Liga is mainly due to their attacking prowess. They have scored at least two goals in their last 12 home Liga games.
Guimaraes out of the Taca de Portugal on Wednesday nightThe visitors suffered a 3-1 midweek defeat against Porto on Wednesday night in the semi-final of the Taca de Portugal.
The defeat ended a six-game unbeaten run in the Primeira Liga, including five wins and a draw. A 1-1 home draw against Farense in their last outing in the Portuguese top-flight ended a five-game winning run in the Liga.
The decent run of form has Vitoria Guimaraes in fifth place in the table, just two points adrift of the European spots in the Primeira Liga table.
Vitoria Guimaraes have been strong travellers of late in the Portuguese top-flight. The visitors are unbeaten in five games away from home in the Liga, having recorded four wins and a draw.
What am I backing?Sporting have been formidable lately in the Primeira Liga, while Guimaraes have a strong recent record in the Portuguese top-flight. The bet I am backing is a narrow home victory.