Sporting CP vs FC Vizela Prediction: A Comfortable Win For The Leões On Home Turf

In the first round of the Primeira Liga, Sporting CP and FC Vizela will face each other at the Estádio José Alvalade, in a highly anticipated match. Sporting CP, who finished fourth last season, will be determined to improve their position and secure a first-place finish this time around. With their strong squad and ambitious goals, they are aiming for nothing less than the top spot in the league.

On the other hand, FC Vizela will also be looking to make strides this season after finishing 11th in the previous campaign. Their objective is to achieve a mid-table finish or even better - secure a spot in European football. With renewed determination and possibly strengthened team dynamics, they are eager to prove themselves on the field.

This match between Sporting CP and FC Vizela holds significance not only as an exciting clash between two competitive teams but also as a reflection of their respective aspirations for this season's Primeira Liga. Both sides will undoubtedly give their all to start off on a positive note and gain early momentum in their pursuit of success.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Sporting CP

Since clinching their first Portuguese title in 19 years during the 2020–21 season, Sporting CP's fourth-place finish last season means that they have gone two consecutive years without clinching the Portuguese title, a negative run they'll want to put an end to this season as confidence and motivation are sky high.

However, that finish has guaranteed them another Europa League participation this season, where, despite entering the competition on 35 occasions, they have never lifted the prestigious trophy, with Sevilla, who have made it on 17 occasions, being the most successful club, winning 7 titles.

The Leões were very active in the preseason, playing seven matches where they performed admirably, winning four, drawing two, and losing one, a 1:0 defeat against English club Everton, which was their most recent match. Their most notable aspect during that time was their solid defense, which only saw four goals conceded while keeping three clean sheets.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Adan; Quaresma, Diomande, Inacio; Catamo, Morita, Braganca, Reis; Trincao, Gyokeres, Goncalves

FC Vizela

Vizelenses, who achieved an eleventh-place finish last season under the stewardship of Álvaro Pacheco, was considered a huge achievement on their part, despite bitter dissension amongst their loyal supporters who felt they could have done better.

Recall that this is a side that, upon gaining promotion to the top tier in the 2021–22 season following a 36-year absence, finished in fourteenth place with 33 points, one place above the relegation playoffs.

Following Álvaro Pacheco's departure to Estoril Praia, the hierarchy has turned to Pablo Villar to lead them as manager. Villar kicked off his official match as manager in the new 2023–24 season with a 2:1 win over Maritimo in the Taca de Liga, only to suffer a 1:0 defeat against AVS Futebol SAD in the second round.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Buntic; Silva, Escoval, Fernandes, Pereira; Samu, Mendez; Lacava, Rashid, Bondoso; Unzueta

Match Facts

• Sporting CP have won three consecutive home matches when playing against FC Vizela.
• FC Vizela have failed to win any of their last six matches in this fixture.
• Sporting CP averages 2.1 goals per game when playing at home, and FC Vizela averages 0.6 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 6 meetings, Sporting CP have won 6 times, FC Vizela have won 0 times, and there have been 0 draws, with the goal difference being 14-5 in favor of Sporting CP.

Expert Betting Tips

Sporting CP enters this clash as overwhelming favorites to pick up their first three points, and following their impressive pre-season performance, there's no doubt that the Lisbon side will want to start their campaign on a positive note—a winning one, that is.

FC Vizela have been presented with the worst possible start to the new campaign as they take on a side with a 100% winning record, and nothing much can be expected from them other than a convincing loss.

Given the overt superiority Sporting CP has maintained over their opponents in this clash, we anticipate them to cruise to a comfortable win in front of their own supporters, where the total should also exceed over 2.5 goals, as has been the case in five of their last six meetings.

• Total 1 - Over 2.5 for 1.97
• Corners - Under 11 for 1.83
• W1 & TO 2.5 for 1.68