Sporting Lisbon will look to extend their lead when they host Casa Pia in the Primera Liga. The visitors are six points clear of the relegation zone and have lost their past two games. The hosts, who have won five straight, are only one point ahead of rivals Benfica at the top.
Preview (Sporting Lisbon vs. Casa Pia)
Tuesday night at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa, Sporting Lisbon’s pursuit of the Taca da Liga title ended with a 1-0 loss to Braga. The Lions, have appeared in five of the previous six Taca da Liga championship games. They won the trophy four times but were unable to respond to an effort by Abel Ruiz in the 65th minute. But Ruben Amorim’s team is still winning the Primeira Liga; in their most recent match. They defeated Vizela 5-2 to record their fifth straight league triumph. Sporting Lisbon, is keen to win the Primeira Liga again following their previous victory in 2020–21. They have had an incredible season thus far. They have collected 46 points from their first 18 games and have only lost three of their matches.
Sporting’s strong attack—the most prolific in the league with 45 goals. It has been a major factor in the team’s quest for another championship. The Lions will be pumped with confidence going into their game on Monday against a team they have dominated in all four previous meetings, as they look to win their sixth straight league game. Conversely, Casa Pia is still having trouble winning at home, as evidenced by their most recent 3-1 loss to Farense at the Estadio Pina Manique.
Casa Pia now has the worst home record in the division after suffering their fifth loss in their previous six games at home. Pedro Moreira’s team dropped to 12th position, now only three points behind Rio Ave. Even though Casa Pia has won two straight-away games, they face a formidable opponent on Monday who has a flawless home record, which should provide them some comfort.
Team News
The hosts will be without Ousmane Diomande, who is traveling with Ivory Coast for the AFCON. Hidemasa Morita is currently playing for the Japan national side at the Asian Cup. Regarding injuries, the Lions are still without young defender Ivan Fresneda and veteran defensive end Jerry St. Juste. He is recovering from shoulder and muscular ailments, respectively. After his two goals against Vizela, Viktor Gyokeres now has 16 goals and nine assists in 22 games. Gyokeres, a Swedish striker, is someone to watch. Midfielder Beni Mukendi, who is currently overseas with the Angolan national team at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, will not be available for Casa Pia.
Regarding injuries, they will be missing Kiki Silva, a 25-year-old forward who has been out of action since March due to an Achilles tendon injury. After receiving a straight red card against Famalicao, starting goalie Ricardo Batista is scheduled to serve the second of a three-game suspension; Lucas Paes is anticipated to start in goal.
Sporting Lisbon 3-0 Casa Pia
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