Sporting Lisbon vs Vitoria Guimaraes Predictions

• Both teams scored in all three meetings between these sides last season
• Both teams have scored in six of Sporting’s last seven competitive games
• Sporting beat Guimaraes in both league meetings last season

Sporting seeking first three points

Sporting made a stuttering start to their title challenge last weekend as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Estrela but they should be able to claim a first win when they host Vitoria Guimaraes on Friday.

Guimaraes suffered a disappointing defeat at home to Arouca in their own opener but on the balance of play they deserved more. Os Conquistadores won the shot count 24-4 but poor finishing proved to be their undoing.

Vitoria’s wait for their first points may stretch beyond Friday night but they can at least get on the scoresheet and backing Sporting to win and concede stands out for our main bet.

The Lisbon club won both league games between these sides last season and Guimaraes claimed a cup victory, with both teams scoring in all three meetings.

Sporting won 13 of their 17 home league games last season but they have been defensively vulnerable lately and have just one clean sheet in their last seven competitive games.

A 4-1 Sporting win is the correct score pick as the hosts won each of their final three league games last term by at least three-goal margins, while Guimaraes scored exactly one goal in both league meetings last season – losing 5-1 at this venue back in May.

Sporting summer signing Rodrigo Zalazar is off the mark for the season as he scored in the draw with Estrella. Zalazar scored 16 goals in 28 league games for Braga last season and he can add to his haul for his new club when Guimaraes visit the capital on Friday.