On Saturday night, Sporting CP hosts Maritimo at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in a big game for both teams' objectives in the Primeira Liga this season.
Sporting CP form guideThe home team are in good league form lately, as Ruben Amorim’s team is unbeaten in their last 11 Primera Liga outings, having recorded nine victories. A 4-0 win at Pacos de Ferreira last time out saw Sporting score at least two goals for the fourth time in five league matches.
The recent stellar run of league form has moved the club from the Portuguese capital up to fourth place. However, Sporting are outsiders to make it to third place and the Champions League qualifier spot, as they are now four points behind Sporting Braga, who occupy that position.
The Lions' recent home record is solid, as they are unbeaten in their last five matches on home soil in the Portuguese top flight, having recorded four wins and a draw.
Maritimo form guideThe visitors currently occupy the Primeira Liga relegation play-off spot, three points clear of 17th place Pacos De Ferreira. However, they are five points adrift of 15th place Estoril in the fight for survival.
Jose Gomes’ team has struggled for victories of late in the league, as the visitors have won just one of their previous five matches in the Primeira Liga, having suffered three defeats in the run.
Maritimo heads into this game on the back of a nine-game winless away run in the Portuguese top flight, suffering eight defeats in the process.
Latest team newsSporting are expected to be without Jovane Cabral and Jeremiah St. Juste through injuries, while midfielder Daniel Braganca is an injury doubt. Maritimo’s only likely absentee for this clash is Matous Trmal.
What am I backing?Sporting knows that they have to win to have any chance of catching Braga, and I believe they will record a comfortable victory.