Sporting CP vs Estoril Praia Prediction: The Green and Whites To Hammer The Canarinhos In Style

Sporting CP will be hoping to get back to winning ways as they welcome Estoril Praia in the 22nd round of the Primeira Liga at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Following their dominance-ending performance in the Europa League playoffs against Midtjylland, will Sporting CP be able to replicate the same dominance here against a side that has been out of form in recent weeks, or will they succumb to defeat?

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

Sporting CP

Form: WLWWW

The Leões' most recent game put them in an unfamiliar setting, as they had to travel to Herning to play Midtjylland in the second leg of their Europa League playoff. This time, they left nothing to chance and won 4:0 (5:1 on aggregate), booking themselves a ticket to the next round, where a confident Arsenal awaits them.

Prior to that, they traveled to Estádio Municipal Eng. Manuel Branco Teixeira to take on Chaves in the 21st round of the Primeira Liga, which they won handily, 3:2, with Pedro Goncalves scoring a brace. After losing 2:1 to FC Porto a week prior, this allowed them to return to winning ways.

Ruben Amorim men's last six games have not been cause for concern; rather, they have been impressive, recording only one loss while accumulating 13 points from one draw and four wins. Their home form has been nothing short of impressive, as they have only lost two of their last 10 home matches this season, losing only to Chaves (2:0) and FC Porto (2:1), while recording 8 wins.

They are currently in fourth place with 41 points and cannot move up the standings because they are eight points short of third place. Consolidating their position will be their top priority for the time being.

Team News

Sporting CP won't be able to call upon Daniel Braganca, who sustained a cruciate ligament rupture, and Dario Essugo, who sustained a muscle injury.

Manuel Ugarte won't be available for selection as he'll be serving his suspension.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Adan; Inacio, Coates, Diomande; Bellerin, Goncalves, Morita, Santos; Edwards, Trincao, Paulinho

Estoril Praia

Form: LLWLL

The Canarinhos enter this match coming off a disappointing loss at home to Pacos Ferreira, in which they gave up two goals in the first half up until the second half, when they managed to pull one back through Chico Geraldes close range strike in the 50th minute. 

However, this wasn't enough for them to avoid giving up another goal in the 64th minute, which was undoubtedly the final nail in the coffin for them as the day ended with a 3:1 scoreline.

The Canarinhos' losing streak has now reached two games, and in their last six games, they've only managed to pick up one victory while dropping five.  With only three points overall, it is clear that they have had trouble maintaining consistency this season.

With a five-game losing streak hovering over them when playing away, it is obvious that they are in bad shape. It also comes as a complete shock to see their away form in dire straits for a team that was once on a five-game unbeaten run, winning three games and drawing two from August stretching up until October.

They are currently one place above the relegation playoffs, giving them a 6-point advantage as they sit in 15th place with 22 points and are only three points away from finishing 13th.

Team News

Estoril Praia have no major injury concerns ahead of this match, with the exception of Joao Gamboa, who is out with a muscle injury and remains doubtful.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Figueira; Santos, Vital, Alvaro, Joaozinho; Ndiaye, Carvalho, Geraldes; Gouveia, Araujo, Cassiano

Match Facts

• Sporting CP has won three straight games against Estoril Praia.
• Estoril Praia are currently on a five-match losing streak in the Primeira Liga when playing away.
• The average number of goals scored in a match between Sporting CP and Estoril Praia is 2.2.
• When playing at home, Sporting CP averages 2.31 goals per game, while Estoril Praia averages 0.8 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

Sporting CP has won 12 of the last 20 meetings, Estoril Praia has won 5, and there have been 3 draws, with Sporting CP winning by a goal difference of 36-19.

Expert Betting Tips

Prior to their loss to FC Porto, which was a rather unfortunate situation, Sporting CP was on a 7-match winning streak at home. This setback prevented them from going on to win their eighth straight match. And as such, this time around, a convincing home win over a team that has struggled on the road with five straight losses is undoubtedly on the cards.

Since Sporting CP has scored 14 goals in their last five home games, they have been operating at peak offensive efficiency. This makes us believe that this game will be goal-filled.

As a result, the initial pick should be Sporting CP to score a total of over 2.5 goals, as they have done in 7 of their last 10 home games in the Primeira Liga, which should be sufficient.

• Total 1 - Over 2.5 for 2.03
• Corners - Over 9.5 for 1.73
• Anytime Goalscorer - Pedro Goncalves for 2.30