Sporting CP vs Estoril Praia Prediction: The Leões Enter The New Year Hungry For Success

Sporting CP will welcome Estoril Praia to the Estádio José Alvalade in the 16th round of the Primeira Liga.

Table-toppers Sporting CP have been impressive this season, notching twelve wins out of their fifteen matches played so far in the Primeira Liga; however, that hasn't been enough to shake off the looming threat of Benfica and FC Porto, whom they trail by just a few points, and a misstep in this upcoming encounter could see them dethroned from their first-place position in the standings.

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Sporting CP vs. Estoril Praia, probable lineups, match facts, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Sporting CP

Form: WWLWL

A week after booking their spot in the semi-finals of the Taça da Liga following a 2-1 win over Tondela away from home, Sporting CP followed up on that success with a narrow 2-1 league win over Portimonense away from home, extending their winning streak to two matches.

The Leões flawless home performance is the driving force behind their outstanding season, winning eight out of eight matches and being in pole position for a ninth consecutive win against an opposition they've served two consecutive defeats at home.

With 37 points amassed from 15 matches, Sporting CP are perched at the zenith of the Primeira Liga standings and have maintained a one-point lead over second-placed Benfica.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Adan; Neto, Matheus, Quaresma; Goncalves, Trincao, Braganca, Santos; Paulinho, Edwards; Gyokeres

Estoril Praia

Form: WDWLW

With a much-needed break that lasted for almost two weeks, Estoril Praia got back to league action with a commanding 4-0 win over Farense at the Antonio Coimbra da Mota stadium, extending their unbeaten run to four matches across all competitions (W3 D1), with their most memorable performance during this run being a 3-1 win over FC Porto on match day three of the Taça da Liga group stage campaign, making it twice this season that they've gotten the better of the Portuguese giants.

A solitary 1-0 win against FC Porto away from home this season has been the only win recorded in their last eight matches on the road (L6 D1), and it's safe to say they've been on a wretched form that needs more improving forward as they currently boast the fourth worst away record in the Primeira Liga this season.

With 17 points collected from 15 matches, Estoril Praia sits ninth in the Primeira Liga standings, five points ahead of the relegation zone and a mere point behind seventh-placed Famalicao.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Carne; Parra, Vital, Alvaro; Gomes, Holsgrove, Fernandes, Araujo; Guitane, Cassiano, Marques

Match Facts

• Sporting CP have conceded a goal in five of their six games in the Primeira Liga.
• Estoril Praia have won two of their last thirteen matches when playing against Sporting CP.
• Sporting CP averages 2.38 goals per game when playing at home, and Estoril Praia averages 1.5 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 21 meetings, Sporting CP claimed 13 victories, while Estoril Praia emerged victorious five times, resulting in three draws. Sporting CP leads with a goal difference of 38-19.

Expert Betting Tips

Sporting CP is riding a momentum surge and is favored by bookmakers to secure a convincing victory in front of their home crowd. Taking into consideration that the Leões have been a dominant force at the Estádio José Alvalade when playing against Estoril Praia, winning seven of their last ten matches, there's no doubt that their quality and class will lead them to a comfortable victory.

Despite Estoril Praia rediscovering their goalscoring form as of late, their vulnerable defense could turn out to be their demise away from home, where we anticipate the home team scoring more than once by backing them to surpass an individual total of over 2.5 goals.

• Total 1 - Over 2.5 for 1.90
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.80
• Home To Score In Both Halves - Yes for 1.69