Sporting Lisbon vs Alverca Predictions

• Sporting Lisbon have won two of their last four home league games, conceding no more than once in any
• Alverca have lost two of their four away league games, conceding multiple goals three times
• Sporting Lisbon beat Alverca 5-1 in the Taca da Liga on Tuesday

Sporting spot a chance to play catch-up

Sporting Lisbon are unlikely to let the opportunity to go top of the table slip through their grasp on Friday when they face promoted club Alverca at home for the second time this week.

Rui Borges’ side ran out comfortable 5-1 winners in the Taca da Liga tie on Tuesday with teenage debutant Salvador Blopa grabbing the headlines thanks to his two goals. The 18-year-old is unlikely to earn a spot on the bench for Friday’s league game, however, as the big guns return for Os Leoes.

Alverca also made some changes for the midweek trip to the capital and should be a little stronger second time around as on-loan Benfica goalkeeper Andre Gomes returns in goal. Their initial objective will be to avoid being ripped apart as badly as they were by Gil Vivente in their last league game.

Alverca have had a double setback 

A 4-0 defeat to the Roosters was a jolt to the system for Custodio Castro’s side, who had recorded back-to-back wins over AFS and Guimaraes before the international break and generally tend to score wherever they play

Sporting have won four of their last five home games in all competitions, including 2-1 and 4-1 Champions League victories over Marseille and Kairat. Alverca are probably closer to Kairat in terms of profile, so a handsome win could be on the cards for the hosts again.

Alverca have lost only two of their first four away league matches this term and are yet to concede more than twice on the road, but this is by far their toughest test and a 3-1 defeat looks the most probable outcome.