Sporting CP vs Porto
Primeira Liga
Monday
18th December 2023
Estádio José Alvalade
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Primeira Liga fixture between Sporting CP and Porto.
Sporting CP vs Porto: Preview
Sporting CP form analysis
Leões had been in good form leading up to the derby match against arch rivals Benfica on November 13th. They traveled to Boavista on October 31st and came away with an efficient 2-0 victory thanks to second half goals from Geny Catamo and Pote. Sporting followed that up by defeating Estrela Amadora 3-2 in a thriller on November 6th behind goals from Daniel Bragança, Marcus Edwards and Paulinho to hold on after nearly squandering a two goal lead. However, the momentum came to an abrupt halt against Benfica as Sporting took an early lead through Viktor Gyökeres but conceded twice late, including a stoppage time winner, to suffer a painful 2-1 defeat.
Looking to respond, Sporting hosted Gil Vicente on December 5th and raced to a 3-1 win as an own goal and two more from Gyökeres sealed the three points. But consistency has been elusive, as just four days later Sporting fell 3-2 away to Vitória Guimarães despite leading early and equalizing late through substitutes Gonçalo Inácio and Nuno Santos. The loss saw Sporting fall further off Benfica’s pace in the title race. Regaining their solid defensive form and putting together a run of consistent performances will be key for Sporting to get their season back on track.
Porto form analysis
Porto are in excellent league form as we approach the new year. They traveled to Vizela on October 30th and came away comfortable 2-0 winners thanks to Mehdi Taremi’s penalty and a Stephen Eustáquio strike. However, Porto suffered a shock result in their next match on November 4th as they fell 1-0 at home to Estoril despite dominating possession. Looking to bounce back, Porto faced a tough test away to Vitória Guimarães on November 12th but prevailed 2-1 behind goals from Zaidu Sanusi and Francisco Conceição to reclaim top spot. Seeking to build momentum, Porto then hammered Famalicão 3-0 on December 2nd with Evanilson, Taremi and Conceição finding the net in an utterly dominant display.
They confirmed that result with another convincing victory on December 10th, beating Casa Pia 3-1 at home as Evanilson stayed hot in front of goal along with veteran Pepe and debutant Zé Pedro getting on the scoresheet. Over this period, Porto have showcased their quality in attack but manager Sérgio Conceição will want to see more solid defensive displays like the one against Famalicão to complement their potency going forward. If Porto can continue scoring goals while remaining organized at the back, they will prove difficult to stop.
