Sporting CP vs FC Arouca Prediction: Expecting The Leões To Claim A Narrow Triumph

Sporting CP welcomes FC Arouca to the 28th round of the Primeira Liga at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Will Sporting CP be able to return to winning ways after losing to Juventus in the Europa League?

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

Sporting CP

Form: WDWWW

Going into this game, the Leões suffered a narrow 1:0 defeat in midweek action against Italian outfit Juventus in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals. 

Though they did manage to keep the Old Lady at bay in the first half, their valiant efforts would sum up to nothing in the second half as they conceded a goal in the 73rd minute through a Federico Gatti goal and now have a goal deficit to cover in their second leg and will lean on hope to keep their European football dreams alive.

Prior to that, they were involved in a thrilling encounter with Casa Pia, which saw them claim a 4:3 victory on the road. This comes after their scoreless draw against Gil Vicente on the road, and they have now seen their unbeaten run in the Primeira Liga. extended to seven games.

They currently occupy 4th place with 57 points, five points behind a 3rd place finish, and their days of being in the title race are over as they are 14 points behind with 6 games left to play.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Adan; Diomande, Coates, Reis; Esgaio, Morita, Goncalves, Santos; Edwards, Chermiti, Trincao

FC Arouca

Form: WWDWD

There was absolutely nothing that could've been done to deter the Arouquenses, who were high in spirits, from recording a resounding result against Maritimo in their recent match at home as they ran out 1:0 winners thanks to Rafa Mujica's goal in the 34th minute.

With that win, they have seen their winning streak extended to two games, and they have avoided defeat in their last six games, where they've recorded four wins and two draws, and Armando Evangelista has had nothing to complain about when it comes to his team's performance, which has undoubtedly met expectations as they've been in consistent form.

Away from home, they've only lost one match against Braga (2:0) in their last five matches and have recorded two wins and two draws in the process to accumulate 8 points, while their defense capabilities are not one to be underestimated as they have kept three clean sheets while conceding three goals and will hope that it can come to their aid to thwart their opponents' threatening offense.

With their agenda out in the open, which has been for a European spot finish this season, they've solidified their 5th place position, which they currently occupy with 44 points in the standings, a 3 point advantage over Vitoria de Guimaraes in sixth place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Arruabarrena; Esgaio, Basso, Galovic, Correia; Simao, Busquets; Antony, Ruiz, Sylla; Mujica

Match Facts

• Sporting CP is on a two-match winning streak at home.
• FC Arouca is unbeaten in their previous six Primeira Liga games.
• When playing at home, Sporting CP averages 2.09 goals per game, while FC Arouca averages 0.85 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

Sporting CP has won 13 of the last 14 encounters, FC Arouca has won once, and there have been no draws, with a goal difference of 30-8 in favor of Sporting CP.  

Expert Betting Tips

Sporting CP may have shifted their focus from the title race, which all seems unpromising, and a third-place finish is the only fight worth fighting for at this moment. A drop in points won't be acceptable from now on.

Their home form has been terrific, as they remain unbeaten in five home games and are also on a two-match winning streak. This points to an emphatic win for the Leões, as anything other than a win will definitely come as a surprise.

While their loss to Juventus in the Europa League is still a fresh wound, that shouldn't deter them from securing all three points in this fixture where they've been the dominant side as such, back the Leões to win comfortably combined with the total of under 3.5 goals.

• W1 & TU 3.5 for 2.16
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.75
• Correct Score - 2:0 for 6.30