FC Porto vs Sporting CP Prediction & Betting Tips (9 February)

Incredible but true, Porto lost their very first league match the previous day on the pitch at Casa Pia 2-1. Before that, the Dragons had recorded an extraordinary record of 18 wins and 1 draw in the elite. In all competitions, Porto has only lost 3 small matches this season. It is logical that Farioli's men hold the queens of the championship but their evening opponents, the Lisbon side, are only 4 points behind. The title is far from won for Porto. At home, Porto have won their last 7 receptions in all competitions. In the Europa League against Rangers 3-1 and Malmö 2-1, in the league for the comings of Gil Vicente 3-0, Estrela 3-1 and the red lantern AFS 2-0, as well as in the 1/8th and quarter-finals of the Portuguese Cup against Famalicao 4-1 and Benfica 1-0.

Despite the frantic pace of Porto, Sporting, as reigning champion, is holding its own now being only 4 points behind its main rival for the title. This match is probably the last chance to relaunch a title race which seemed well finished a few weeks ago. It must be said that the Lions are not giving up and we can also mention their excellent run in the Champions League where they qualified for the round of 16 by finishing in the top 8. Last week, as part of their 1/4 final of the Portuguese Cup, Sporting had a hard time getting rid of AFS with a 3-2 victory. This success was added to 5 other successes in all competitions. In the league against Nacional 2-1, Arouca 1-2 and Casa Pia 3-0 and in the Champions League against PSG 2-1 and the Basques of Athletic Bilbao 2-3. 

Entering the game against Casa Pia in the league, William Gomes (5 goals in the league) was sent off and will serve his suspension during this clash. The Argentines N.Perez and T.Perez are absent due to injury, like the experienced Luuk de Jong and the winter recruit Seko Fofana (on loan from Rennes).

Brazilian legend Thiago Silva is likely aiming for a return in time for the World Cup with the Selecao, but he scored an own goal against Casa Pia. The attack line is very regularly composed of the scorer Samu (13 goals), his fellow Spaniard Borja Sainz (5 goals, 2 assists) and Pepê (2 goals, 4 assists). It was improved during the winter transfer window with the late arrival of Niçois Moffi.