Following their cup success in midweek, Sporting Lisbon will aim to build on that momentum when they return to Primeira Liga action on Monday for round 24, welcoming Estoril Praia to Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The Lions come into this clash on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Gil Vicente in Taca de Portugal, a result that ended their five-game winless run across all competitions and secured their place in the semi-finals.
Match preview
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Not the most convincing of performances, yet a vital win, Sporting edged past their hosts thanks to a decisive strike from Zeno Debast in the 68th minute.
However, while that triumph ended their barren spell in all competitions, Rui Borges's men are still searching for their first league victory in three outings, having been held to consecutive draws.
Their latest top-flight setback came in a 2-2 stalemate at AVS last weekend, a result that kept Sporting top of the table with 53 points.
However, what was once a commanding six-point cushion at the summit has now disappeared, leaving the Green and whites ahead of second-placed Benfica only by virtue of a superior goal difference.
With their grip on first place under threat, Sporting will be eager to end their winless streak on Monday, and they have every reason to feel confident given their formidable record at Alvalade this season, winning nine of their 11 league matches at the ground – their 28 points from a possible 33, making the Lions the third-best home side in the division.
Adding further incentive is the visit of an opponent they have dominated in recent years, having won each of their last seven meetings, including a 3-0 triumph in September's reverse fixture.
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Meanwhile, in-form Estoril will fancy their chances of upsetting the hosts as they seek their first win in this matchup since 2018, when they triumphed in both encounters that year — claiming a 2-0 home victory in the Primeira Liga before a 2-1 success in the cup at Alvalade.
However, it has been over a decade since the Canaries last won a league match at this ground, with that 1-0 victory in May 2014 remaining their only triumph in 10 visits, comprising just one draw and eight losses.
Repeating that feat on Monday may not be a Herculean task for Estoril, who are in red-hot form, winning six of their last eight matches while avoiding defeat in the remaining two.
Their latest triumph came in a 2-1 victory over Rio Ave last weekend, lifting Ian Cathro's side to seventh place with 34 points, a distant 13 adrift of European places.
Team News
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Sporting continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list, with long-term absentees Nuno Santos (patellar tendon rupture) and Pedro Goncalves (muscle) set to remain sidelined.
Jeremiah St Juste is at risk of missing a third successive match due to a muscle problem, while Joao Simoes remains doubtful with unspecified discomfort and Hidemasa Morita's availability is uncertain as he continues his recovery.
Compounding their selection concerns is the suspension of Maxi Araujo, creating an opening in the starting XI for Geny Catamo.
Viktor Gyokeres is expected to return to the lineup after coming off the bench last time out, with the Swedish striker, who leads the Golden Boot race, keen to build on his 23-goal tally.
Estoril, on the other hand, arrive with a clean bill of health, giving manager Cathro an array of options to choose from.
Xeka, who was a late absentee in the previous match due to illness, has fully recovered and is likely to start in midfield, while Yanis Begraoui should feature up front after netting four times in his last four outings.
Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Israel; Esgaio, Inacio, Reis; Catamo, Debast, Brito, Fresneda; Quenda, Gyokeres, Trincao
Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Robles; Boma, Pedro Alvaro, Bacher; Amaral, Holsgrove, Xeka, Pina; Joao Carvalho, Marques, Begraoui
We say: Sporting Lisbon 2-1 Estoril Praia
While Sporting's injury woes present an opportunity for Estoril, the hosts should have enough to grind out a victory, given their dominance in this fixture and the added urgency of protecting their place at the summit.
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Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
