Sporting Lisbon will aim to secure back-to-back league victories when they travel to Casa Pia this weekend for round 25 of the Primeira Liga.
The Lions head into this clash fresh from a 3-1 triumph over Estoril Praia on Monday, taking their tally to 56 points and strengthening their grip at the summit.
Match preview
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After halting a five-match winless streak across all competitions with a Taca de Portugal victory against Gil Vicente, Sporting carried that momentum into their league fixture against Estoril, starting on the front foot.
Goncalo Inacio fired Rui Borges's men ahead inside five minutes, with Viktor Gyokeres doubling the lead in the 36th before completing his brace deep into stoppage time, 12 minutes after Goncalo Costa had pulled one back for the visitors.
That win stretched Sporting's unbeaten league run to six and came as a much-needed lift after a series of unconvincing results had cast doubt over their grip on top spot.
A once-comfortable six-point lead had been cut to a goal difference advantage after three consecutive draws, but their latest triumph has now put them three points clear of second-placed Benfica, who have a game in hand.
Sporting, eager to strengthen their hold at the top, can have all three points across their chest heading into this weekend's encounter against a side they have beaten in all six previous meetings, including a resounding 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture last October.
However, the Lions's recent form on the road leaves room for concern, with only one win in their last six league outings, a run that also includes four draws and one defeat.
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Meanwhile, Casa Pia will be keen to test their visitors' shaky away form with their impressive home record, having won their last three matches in front of their fans.
This spell has been built on defensive solidity, with the Geese conceding just once during this period while their five goals scored have made the difference.
Although Joao Pereira's men have enjoyed success at home, their inconsistency on the road has been their undoing, contributing to an up-and-down run of form.
They have alternated between wins and losses in their last six matches, with all three defeats coming away from home – a trend highlighted in their most recent outing.
Casa Pia enter this contest off the back of a 1-0 loss at Vitoria de Guimaraes last weekend, a result that leaves them sixth in the standings with 36 points.
Team News
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Expected absentees for Casa Pia include Clau Mendes (sprain), Kiki (unspecified) and Ricardo Batista (unknown), while striker Cassiano remains a doubt, having missed the last two games.
Should he fail to recover, Max Svensson is likely to retain his spot up front for a third consecutive appearance, while Pablo Roberto's recent form should see him push for another start.
Sporting continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list, with Nuno Santos (patellar tendon rupture), Pedro Goncalves (muscle) and Jeremiah St. Juste (muscle) all set to remain sidelined.
Joao Simoes remains doubtful with unspecified discomfort, while the uncertain availability of Hidemasa Morita and Morten Hjulmand could see Eduardo Felicissimo given another opportunity in midfield.
On a positive note, Maxi Araujo returns after serving a suspension in the last match and is expected to slot straight back in at left wing-back.
Gyokeres, fresh from his brace against Estoril, will lead the line once again, with his tally now standing at 25 league goals for the season.
Casa Pia possible starting lineup:
Sequeira; Tchamba, Fonte, Goulart; Larrazabal, Kraev, Roberto, Lelo; Livolant, Svensson, Pereira
Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Israel; Esgaio, Inacio, Reis; Felicíssimo, Debast, Fresneda, Araujo; Quenda, Gyokeres, Trincao
We say: Casa Pia 1-2 Sporting Lisbon
This match has the makings of a keenly contested battle, with Casa Pia aiming to capitalise on their impressive home run and Sporting's struggles on the road, but given the visitors' dominance in this fixture, they will back themselves to edge past their hosts and strengthen their hold at the summit.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
