Sporting CP vs Moreirense Prediction: Leões Could See Their Defense Breached

Sporting CP plays host to newly promoted Moreirense at the Estádio José Alvalade in the 5th round of the Primeira Liga.

The Leões were held to a draw last time out and will seek to get back on track with a convincing win at home, though that won't be a walk in the park as they go up against a side buoyed by their recent success.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Sporting CP

Sporting CP were confronted with a stern test in their latest league match before the international break, as their trip to the Estádio Municipal de Braga could only see them scrape a point after playing out a 1-1 draw.

This outcome was way overdue given their unconvincing performance in their opening three matches, where they managed to secure wins against Vizela (3-2), Casa Pia (1-2), and Famalicao (1-0), and this could as well be a wake-up call to see them put on a more convincing performance moving forward if they are to avoid any future setbacks from occurring.

However, despite this, they can boast of a commendable run stemming all the way from the previous season, when they went unbeaten in eighteen outings, picking up fourteen wins and four draws—a run they'll be keen on extending as they take on an opposing outfit that has won one of their five matches across all competitions.

They currently occupy third place with 10 points, level with Boavista in first place and FC Porto in second place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Adan; Diomande, Coates, G. Inacio; R. Esgaio, Morita, P. Goncalves, N. Santos; Edwards, Gyokeres, Paulinho

Moreirense

Moreirense managed to put on board their first three points of the season as they defeated Chaves 2-1 away from home courtesy of goals from Alan and Camacho, despite maintaining just 36% of ball possession.

That win couldn't have come at a better time as they were currently on a two-match winless run, recording a 2-1 defeat against FC Porto at home and salvaging a point in a goalless draw against Famalicao on the road.

The fact that they have won just one of their four competitive matches, with their noteworthy match being a 4-3 defeat on penalties against Farense in the first round of the Taca de Liga after playing out a 1-1 draw in regular time, goes to show the need for improvement moving forward.

They currently occupy tenth place with four points, level with three other teams in the standings, and are seven points behind sixth place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Kewin; F. Silva, Marcelo, Karacas, Frimpong; Franco, Ofori, Alanzinho; Madson, A. Luis, J. Camacho

Match Facts

• Sporting CP have won to nil in four of their last nine matches against Moreirense.
• Moreirense have lost one of their six away matches across all competitions.
• Sporting CP have yet to suffer defeat in their last thirteen home matches against Moreirense.

Head-To-Head

In the last 25 meetings, Sporting CP has won 17 times, Moreirense has won once, and there have been 7 draws, with the goal difference being 47-21 in favor of Sporting CP.

Expert Betting Tips

Sporting CP have their sights set on extending their unbeaten run in the league to five matches as they take on a side that they have managed to defeat in their last seven home matches. Anything other than a win will come as a shock.

While Moreirense will be eager to extend their winning streak to two matches for the first time this season, their portfolio of eighteen matches without a win in this fixture suggests that they will be on the receiving end of an unfavorable outcome, which will most likely be a convincing defeat.

Sporting CP may be favorites with bookmakers to walk away with all three points in the bag, but Moreirense are not one to be underestimated either, as they can pack a punch on any given day. The fact that the away side has scored in three of their four matches in the league makes us inclined to think they will have their name on the scoreboard here, though it won't be an easy task. As such, expect both sides to get on the scoreboard.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 2.2
• Result/Both Teams To Score - Sporting CP/Yes for 3.00
• Goals - Over 3.5 for 2.41