Sporting Lisbon aims to recover from a recent setback as they host Casa Pia on Friday at Estadio Jose Alvalade. This match marks the start of round 18 in the Primeira Liga.
Recent Performance Analysis
Sporting Lisbon’s ambitions for the season hit a snag last week. They were eliminated from the Taca da Liga semi-finals, losing 2-1 to Vitoria de Guimaraes. This defeat adds to a frustrating start to 2026, where they have yet to secure a win, drawing against Gil Vicente prior to the cup loss.
Currently, Sporting sits second in the Primeira Liga, trailing the leaders, Porto, by seven points. They have proven strong against lower-ranked teams, winning all 13 matches against sides outside the top five. This includes a 2-0 victory against Casa Pia in their earlier encounter this season.
Casa Pia’s Struggles
Casa Pia enters this clash under new management. Alvaro Pacheco took over on January 8, following a series of poor results that saw interim coach Goncalo Brandao leave. The team has managed just one win in their last seven matches, suffering four losses.
Their latest outing ended in a 3-1 loss to Rio Ave, leaving them in 15th place — precariously close to the relegation zone.
Key Statistics
- Sporting Lisbon’s League Goals: 47 (highest in the league)
- Casa Pia’s Goals Scored: 17
- Casa Pia’s Goals Conceded: 32
- Casa Pia’s Away Record: 3 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw
Team News
For Sporting, striker Fotis Ioannidis and defender Eduardo Quaresma are ruled out due to injury. Additional players like Zeno Debast and Nuno Santos face similar fates. Meanwhile, captain Morten Hjulmand and Maximiliano Araujo are suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.
Casa Pia will miss Andre Geraldes due to suspension and has injuries affecting Kiki Silva and Max Svensson. New coach Pacheco is expected to adapt the squad, possibly reinstating Cassiano in attack.
Predicted Lineups
| Sporting Lisbon | Casa Pia |
|---|---|
| Silva | Sequeira |
| Vagiannidis | Conte |
| Diamonde | Fonte |
| Inacio | Sousa |
| Ries | Larrazabal |
| Simoes | Brito |
| Morita | Nhaga |
| Catamo | Livolant |
| Trincao | Oukili |
| A Santos | Nsona |
| Suarez | Cassiano |
Match Prediction
El-Balad projects a straightforward win for Sporting Lisbon, with a potential scoreline of 3-0. The team is expected to respond strongly to their recent disappointment, while Casa Pia continues to search for form under new leadership.
