Porto vs Sporting Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Liga Portugal, February 7, 2025

Porto vs Sporting Preview

• Competition: Liga Portugal.
• Date: Friday, February 7.
• Time: 8:15 PM GMT.
• Venue: Estadio do Dragao.

Porto vs Sporting will take place in the late kick-off slot in Liga Portugal at the Estadio do Dragao in matchday 21 of the competition on February 7.

The hosts will enter this game in third place with 42 points from 20 matches. They are eight points off top spot and will need to win nearly all their games to try and catch up. They have won just once in their last five matches across competitions, though, losing twice and drawing twice. In this run, Porto have scored five and conceded seven goals. They drew 2-2 away from home to 10-man Rio Ave and will look to improve their performances.

Sporting, on the other hand, leads the table with 50 points from 20 matches. They have a six-point cushion over Benfica in second and are in total control at this point. They have lost just once in their last five matches across competitions, winning two and drawing two of those matches. In this run, Sporting have scored 10 and conceded just four goals. They secured a straightforward 3-1 win against Farense in their last match and will derive confidence from that performance.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.

Porto Team News

Manager Martin Anselmi fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match and most of the players and four subs played at a high as they drew 2-2. There were no new injuries and suspensions to report either.

However, they will be without three players for the next match. Ivan Marcano (cruciate ligament), Martim Fernandes (muscle) and Marko Grujic (muscle) will miss out as they continue to recover from their injuries.

Sporting Team News

Manager Rui Borges fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match as they secured a 3-1 win at home. Most players performed at a high level and the manager used five substitutes as well. There were no suspensions, but Daniel Braganca and Geny Catamo picked up knocks.

Both of them will be available to play the next game, but three others will miss out. Hidemasa Morita (muscle), Nuno Santos (cruciate ligament) and Pedro Goncalves (cruciate ligament) will miss out as they continue to recover from their injuries.

Porto vs Sporting Predicted Lineups

Porto Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa (C).

Defenders: Tiago Djalo, Nehuen Perez, Otavio.

Midfielders: Joao Mario, Stephen Eustaquio, Alan Varela, Francisco Moura.

Forwards: Goncalo Borges, Rodrigo Mora, Samu Omorodion.

Sporting Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Rui Silva.

Defenders: Ivan Fresneda, Ousmande Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, Maximiliano Araujo.

Midfielders: Geny Catamo, Morten Hjulmand (C), Daniel Braganca, Geovany Quenda.

Forwards: Viktor Gyokeres, Conrad Harder.

Head-to-Head Record

These two eternal rivals cross paths at least twice every season, with additional meetings in cup competitions always a possibility. They have been involved in title races together for years, and their recent head-to-head record is a testament to how close the rivalry is. Sporting have won two of the last five meetings, Porto have won two, and there has also been one draw.

Key Players to Watch

Samu Omorodion (Porto)

The Spaniard has been in top form for his team this season, netting 11 goals and providing two assists as well. His goals have come at an astonishing 7.80 xG, meaning he has converted some tough chances for his tally. His two assists have come from a respectable 1.01 xA, meaning he has done well in this metric.

Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)

The Swede has been in incredible form for Sporting this season, netting an eye-watering 22 goals and also providing three assists. His goals have come from a respectable 17.05 xG, meaning he has done well to convert some tough chances. His three assists have come from 4.22 xA, though, meaning he can improve in this metric.

Porto vs Sporting Prediction

Going by the recent head-to-head for these teams, as well as their recent form guides, it seems like this game is very likely to end as a draw.

Prediction: Porto 2-2 Sporting.

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