Preview: Famalicao vs. Sporting Lisbon - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams who have had contrasting starts to the league campaign go toe-to-toe on Saturday when Famalicao welcome Sporting Lisbon to the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao.

The hosts were condemned to their third consecutive defeat last Friday, while the visitors made it three wins on the bounce with a 2-0 victory over Belenenses.

Match preview

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Famalicao's disappointing start to the season continued last time out when they suffered a 2-1 defeat against newly-promoted Arouca.

In an action-packed contest at the Estadio Municipal de Arouca, Joao Basso cancelled out Bruno Rodrigues's opener from the spot in the 66th minute before Leandro Silva completed the comeback in the 89th minute to hand the hosts their first win of the season.

Ivo Vieira's men are one of two sides yet to pick up a point this season and this has been down to their struggles at the defensive end of the pitch where they have already conceded six goals.

While going up against Saturday's victors is always a stern test for any side in the division, Famalicao have held their ground against the reigning champions since gaining promotion in 2019, picking up two wins and two draws from their four encounters.

Sporting Lisbon, on the other hand, maintained their perfect start to the new Primeira Liga season last Saturday when they claimed a 2-0 home victory over 10-man Belenenses.

In a game where Afonso Taira picked up a late red card, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha scored in either half to maintain Sporting Lisbon's 100% record in the league.

Prior to that, the Leoes cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Vizela in their league opener before beating Braga 2-1 at the Braga Municipal with Jovane Cabral and Pedro Goncalves getting on the scoresheet.

While it might be too early to look into the league standings, it is worth noting that Sporting Lisbon currently lead the way, alongside Benfica who also have a 100% record, and have currently scored the most league goals with seven in three outings.

After ending their 18-year wait for a league title last season, Ruben Amorim's men have now started their title defence in fine fashion and will fancy their chances of picking up a second title on the trot.

Team News

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Famalicao will be without the services of Marcos Paulo, who recently completed a loan switch from Atletico Madrid, as he is currently sidelined through a thigh injury.

The Brazilian forward is joined on the club's injury table by Pedro Marques and Heriberto Tavares, who are also currently recuperating from injuries.

Despite his side's poor performances, Bruno Rodrigues has been on song for the Famalicenses, scoring in each of their last two outings, and the 24-year-old will be one to watch out for on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon will be boosted by the return of Brazilian defender Matheus Reis, who served his one-match suspension last week after picking up a red card in the game against Braga.

Barring any late fitness issues, the Leoes head into the game with a clean bill of health and we expect Amorim to make little or no alterations to the side that started last week.

Famalicao possible starting lineup:
Junior; Figueiras, Batubinsika, Riccieli, Lima; Pepe, Tavares; I Rodrigues, Jamie, B Rodrigues; Jesus

Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Adan; Neto, Coates, Inacio; Vinagre, Nunes, Palhinha, Esgaio; Goncalves, Santos; Paulinho

We say: Famalicao 1-2 Sporting Lisbon

Famalicao's defensive struggles have seen them fail to pick up a point from their opening three encounters. While they will be looking to end this poor run of results, they go up against a rampant Sporting Lisbon side, who have picked up seven wins in each of their last seven games across all competitions.

Given the difference in their current form, we are tipping Amorim's men to claim all three points and end their four-game winless run against the hosts.