Sporting will aim for consecutive win number nine at the Alvalade Stadium tonight against Gil Vicente.
After a stuttering start to the new season, Sporting’s heavy summer investment is paying rich dividends. The Lisbon club are currently on an 8-game winning run in all competitions.
With first-team regulars Oguchi Onyewu (returning from injury), Insua (returning from suspension) and Elias (forced to miss midweek Europa League match due to ineligibility) all likely to be recalled into the starting line-up, it would be a brave man to bet against another victory for the Lions.
Three points would put Sporting in a three-way tie in 3rd place in the table, alongside Braga and Marítimo. On that trio, Sporting are undoubtedly best prepared to challenge top two Benfica and FC Porto – just three points further ahead in the standings – for the Liga ZON Sagres championship title.
Gil Vicente have acquitted themselves well in the top flight following last season’s promotion, and sit comfortably in mid table. However, the Barcelos based club will have to pick themselves up after suffering a shock defeat to lower league side Torreense in the Portuguese Cup last weekend.
“I’m not going to make many changes to the team,” said Sporting coach Domingos Paciencia. “Our confidence levels are high, which leads me to believe the players are looking forward to playing, and winning, and experiencing more of the good moments that we have experienced recently.
“Gil Vicente are a daring, fighting team, with a good dynamic and fast players. But we are aware that it is our responsibility, playing at home in front of our own fans, to take the initiative from the first minute to the last.”
Kick off at 8.15pm local time.
With first-team regulars Oguchi Onyewu (returning from injury), Insua (returning from suspension) and Elias (forced to miss midweek Europa League match due to ineligibility) all likely to be recalled into the starting line-up, it would be a brave man to bet against another victory for the Lions.
Three points would put Sporting in a three-way tie in 3rd place in the table, alongside Braga and Marítimo. On that trio, Sporting are undoubtedly best prepared to challenge top two Benfica and FC Porto – just three points further ahead in the standings – for the Liga ZON Sagres championship title.
Gil Vicente have acquitted themselves well in the top flight following last season’s promotion, and sit comfortably in mid table. However, the Barcelos based club will have to pick themselves up after suffering a shock defeat to lower league side Torreense in the Portuguese Cup last weekend.
“I’m not going to make many changes to the team,” said Sporting coach Domingos Paciencia. “Our confidence levels are high, which leads me to believe the players are looking forward to playing, and winning, and experiencing more of the good moments that we have experienced recently.
“Gil Vicente are a daring, fighting team, with a good dynamic and fast players. But we are aware that it is our responsibility, playing at home in front of our own fans, to take the initiative from the first minute to the last.”
Kick off at 8.15pm local time.
