Porto can move 12 points in front of Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga standings on Sunday if it can win at Estadio Jose Alvalade for the first time since October 2008. More than a decade has passed since the Dragons last triumphed at this venue, but a run of nine wins and one draw means traveling to Lisbon, Portugal bodes well for their chances of ending that drought.
Sporting CP vs. Porto
- When: Sunday, January 5
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- TV: GolTV
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Sporting’s recent form has been patchier by comparison, though it is no slouch after winning seven of its last nine matches, keeping clean sheets in all but one of those victories. The Lions have also established a fortress mentality at home in recent months and have won each of their last six games at Jose Alvalade in all competitions, conceding only two goals throughout.
A run at the title looks unlikely for Sporting after its torrid start to the campaign, with the team now third in the table and 13 points off leaders Benfica. Porto is only four points away from the top team, but haven’t been as reliable away from home this season. Manager Sergio Conceicao is yet to see his side surrender a point at Estadio do Dragao, but it’s only won four of seven away games and drew 1-1 at Belenenses last time on the road.
Tiquinho Soares has 10 goals in 23 appearances this season but is responsible for four of Porto’s last eight scored, netting recent braces against Tondela and Chaves. Brazilian forward Luiz Phellype has hit a good streak of form for Sporting and has scored in three of the team’s last four matches. Bruno Fernandes possesses the keys to unlock Porto’s defense from attacking midfield, though the Portugal international also has great finishing ability of his own.
Both Portuguese powerhouses will feature in the last 32 of this season’s UEFA Europa League, with Sporting set to face Istanbul Basaksehir, while Porto takes on a more difficult challenge in Bayer Leverkusen.
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