Sporting CP vs FC Famalicao Prediction: The Flavienses Are Capable Of Breaching The Leões Defense

Sporting CP welcome FC Famalicao to the Estádio José Alvalade for the 30th round of the Primeira Liga.

Will Sporting CP keep their Champions League aspirations alive by claiming a convincing win against FC Famalicao at home, or will they suffer a loss?

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

Sporting CP

Form: WDWDW

Following their exit from the Europa League about a week ago, the 

Leões this season have no trophy to add to their cabinet. However,  that didn't bother them much as they went on to rekindle their confidence in the Primeira Liga with a comfortable 2:0 win against Vitoria de Guimaraes on the road.

In that match, they were the superior side in all aspects of the game as they managed 67% of ball possession. However, their potent attack was kept at arm's length by João Filipe Aroso Lopes da Silva's men as they played out a goalless first half, but it wasn't for long as Pedro Gonçalves gave his side the lead in the second half in the 47th minute before Arthur doubled the lead in the waning seconds of the game to dash any hopes their opponent had for finding an equaliser.

To say they have played to their best of capabilities in their matches would be an understatement of their impressive form that has seen them avoid defeat in the last nine matches, where they have recorded seven wins and two draws, during which their attacking prowess was put on display, racking up 19 goals.

In the standings, they have not given up on their pursuit of overthrowing FC Porto in third place, and though it won't seem like an easy feat as they are confronted with a 9-point deficit, for them this means not dropping any more unnecessary points in their remaining matches. They currently occupy fourth place with 61 points.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-2

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

FC Famalicao

Form: WWWLW

The Famalicenses suffered defeat in their recent match against FC Porto in the Taca de Portugal semi-final first leg, losing 2:1 at home, and though this has only meant that they have a chance to cover the goal deficit in their return leg, for them, it will be an arduous task that'll see their journey come to an end as they know that they won't be given the time of day against the Dragões impregnable fortress.

Prior to that, they made a sensational comeback against Maritimo at home as they came from two goals down in the first half to being 3:2 up in the second half, mainly owing to the numerical advantage they had after their opponent was reduced to 10-men in the 65th minute following Edgar Costa's sending off.

João Pedro Sousa's men have been on a rollercoaster ride of results when playing away from home, as they have recorded four wins, five losses, and a draw in their ten away matches. Given that they have not had the best away record in their last 14 away matches, where four wins, two draws, and eight losses have been recorded, improvement moving forward is definitely a must.

They are presently placed in 7th place with 42 points and are vying for a European football spot, which is currently occupied by FC Arouca in 5th place, making their bid to overhaul them hampered by a 6 point deficit.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Junior; Aguirregabiria, Mihaj, Otavio, Moura; Youssouf, Assuncao, Colombatto; Dobre, Cadiz, Jaime

Match Facts

• Sporting CP are unbeaten in their last seven home matches.
• FC Famalicao have yet to win in their last 3 matches when playing against Sporting CP.
• Sporting CP averages 2.57 goals per game when playing at home, and FC Famalicao averages 1.07 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 12 meetings, Sporting CP has won 7 times, FC Famalicao has won 2 times, and there have been 3 draws, with the goal difference being 21-11 in favor of Sporting CP.

Expert Betting Tips

The Champions League qualifier spot is the only thing that has kept Sporting CP motivated till this point to say they have something meaningful to play for as they have their full attention in their domestic league duties, and their 1:1 draw against FC Arouca was a costly error to narrowing down the point gap to third place. Collecting maximum points from now on will be on their to-do list as they hang on the hope that they'll finish the season in third.

This is an equally important match for FC Famalicao as is the Taca de Portugal, which sees their return four days from now. They too are aiming for a European football spot finish this season, and it's without a doubt that they'll fancy their chances on collecting three points here, though they know it won't be an easy feat against a side that has been in solid form at home this season, but that won't deter them from putting forth a convincing performance.

Though Sporting CP are betting favorites with bookmakers, there's no ruling out FC Famalicao in this clash, who are more capable of finding the back of the net against the fourth-best defense in the Primeira Liga.

The Famalicenses have scored a goal in five of their last five matches, and this is expected to be an open game where deploying a defensive approach will be the least of their worries. As such, we anticipate both sides to find the back of the net here.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 2.1
• Corners - Over 10 for 2.00
• Goals - Over 2.5 for 1.64