This is the 26th round of the Portuguese Ligue game between Sporting Lisbon and Santa Clara. The match is scheduled to take place at the José Alvalade Stadium, home to Sporting Lisbon. On this fixture, the current situation in Primeira Liga has clearly shown that this clash will very much be an open match between Sporting Lisbon and Santa Clara, because both teams are hoping to move up from their respective position on the league standings. With Sporting cp, Coach Marcel Keizer and his team are almost certain in the top 4 with a ticket to attend the Europa League next season, as the gap between them and the 5th place team Moreirense has reached 10 points. On the other hand, the visitors has had a relatively successful season so far considering the fact that they just got promoted to the top tier division last season. The visitors are currently enjoying a stellar performance since the start of the 2018/19 campaign, and if they continue with this kind of performancd, then the team will surely be in contention for the top 4 in the coming years.
SPORTING LISBON
The host Sporting Lisbon are currently in the 4th position on the league rankings, with 52 points accumulated so far, after 16 wins, 4 draws and 5 defeats. Although, their 4th position is safely secured considering the huge gap between the 5th placed team, Moreirense. Sporting Lisbon are now in good form, and playing at home to an underdog team like Santa Clara will surely be an easy step for them to claim all 3 points today. In the last 5 rounds, Coach Marcel Keizer and his team has pocketed 13 out of 15 maximum points, so the team confidence is at the highest level and they will aim for another victory against the visitors, Santa Clara.
SANTA CLARA
The visitor's, Santa Clara are currently holding the 8th spot on the league standings, with just 32 points after 9 wins, 5 draws and 11 defeats. With just 8 points more than the relegation threatened team Tondela, and while the season has only 9 rounds to finish, Santa Clara is not sure of being relegated back to the Segunda Division, but they can be somewhat relieved and comfortable playing without encountering any pressure. However, as they prepare for tonights clash against the favorite Sporting CP, the Açoreanos clearly understands the difficulties that await them, as they believe claiming just 1 point in this match at the José Alvalade Stadium requires the whole team to play with more than 100% of their inherent ability. The visitors, are also having their best times as they are unbeaten in their last 4 games, winning 2, and drawing 2 in the process.
PRE-MATCH FACT
- Sporting have won 21 of their last 24 home matches in the league.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 9 of Sporting's last 10 home games.
- Santa Clara have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 matches Primeira Liga.
- Sporting have won their last 4 matches against Santa Clara in all competitions.
PREDICTION
The host Sporting Lisbon are considered the heavy favorite to win this tie. Sporting Lisbon current form with two wins in a row is enough threat to the visitors, and I believe playing at home in front of their fans will be an advantage for the Leões to get the maximum 3 points.
MY PICK
- Sporting Lisbon To Win @ Odd 1.26
- Total Goal Over 2.5 @ 1.595
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