Primeira Liga | Gameweek 30

Apr 18, 2025 at 8.30pm UK

Estadio Jose Alvalade

Sporting Lisbon vs Moreirense

Match preview

Sporting's stay below the summit lasted barely a week, and their narrow victory was made all the more significant by the fact that title rivals Benfica dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Arouca the following day.

The result lifted Rui Borges' side back into first place on goal difference and extended their unbeaten run in the top flight to 16 matches, including five wins in their last six.

The Lions have suffered just two league defeats all season and are now preparing to face the side that last beat them in the top flight, Moreirense, in a 2-1 reverse fixture in December 2024.

It is only the second time in the last seven top-flight meetings that Sporting have dropped points in this fixture, although history is in their favour, as the Verde e Brancos have never finished a campaign without at least one win in this fixture.

With that pattern in their corner, and boosted by a dominant home record - they have the second-highest points tally on their own patch this season with 35 - the Lions will be looking to reassert their authority under the lights on Friday night.

Moreirense, meanwhile, saw their five-match unbeaten run under Cristiano Bacci come to an end last weekend when they went down 2-0 at home to Rio Ave.

Despite the result, Os Verdes e Brancos remain 10th in the standings on 35 points, with a record of nine wins, eight draws and 12 defeats putting them 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

However, Bacci's side have endured a rather flat campaign, especially when compared to last season's 55-point haul - their best ever top-flight tally.

One of the main reasons for their slump has been their struggles away from home, with just one win in their last eight league games, although the influence of the new coach has brought signs of recovery, with four points from their last two away trips.

Recent Performance

Sporting Lisbon Primeira Liga form:WWWWDW

Sporting Lisbon form (all competitions):WWWWDW

Moreirense Primeira Liga form:DDWDWL

Team News

Twenty-year-old striker Conrad Harder will miss Friday's clash as he serves a suspension following the red card he received after the final whistle against Santa Clara.

On the injury front, Sporting will be without Hidemasa Morita, Nuno Santos, Joao Simoes and Daniel Braganca, while Alexandre Brito remains a doubt.

Viktor Gyokeres failed to find the net for the first time in seven league games last time out, and the Swedish striker will be determined to get back on the scoresheet as he looks to add to his 31 Primeira Liga goals.

The return of Alanzinho will be a welcome boost for Moreirense, with the midfielder expected to provide much-needed quality in the final third.

Both Maracas and Dinis Pinto are available after serving suspensions and could return to the starting line-up after last weekend's shaky defensive display.

Up front, Yan Maranhao is likely to start in place of Guilherme Schettine, who is suspended after being sent off in the last game.

Possible starting lineup

Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:

Silva; Diomande, Inacio, Reis; Quenda, Debast, Hjulmand, Fresneda; Pote, Gyokeres, Trincao

Moreirense possible starting lineup:

Kewin; Frimpong, Marcelo, Maracas, Pinto; Ofori, Ismael, Alanzinho; Benny, Maranhao, Teguia