Boavista vs Sporting

The upcoming clash between Sporting Lisbon and Boavista in Primeira Liga spectating takes place Sunday since the Lions secured their Portuguese Cup final berth in the midweek match.

In the Taca de Portugal semi-finals the Lions won 4-1 overall by beating Rio Ave 2-1 away from home.

The win this midweek ensures Sporting a place in the final against Benfica but now the league match stands in focus as both rival teams battle for first position while looking for success in Boavista.

Since their last 16 domestic matches the Lions have run undefeated and obtained nine victories from their most recent ten matches which included six top-flight victories.

The Primeira Liga match against Moreirense resulted in a 3-1 victory for Benfica due to Viktor Gyokeres scoring a hat-trick which kept them positioned at the top of the standings.

Gyokeres dazzled once more in midweek with a goal and assist which lifted his season total to 48 in 47 appearances so he will start up front as Louletano FC chase their tenth straight win against Boavista.

The reigning champions possess a 10-match winning streak against Boavista while scoring at least two goals in their last seven clashes ahead of this trip where they lead the league for most points collected on the road (34 from 15 away games).

The victory achieved by Boavista against SC Farense during Stuart Baxter's debut match has provided the club with optimism for their fight to stay in the league.

Sporting is even on 72 points with Benfica, but has a better goal difference owing to an unrivaled attacking return of 78 goals — a league best that becomes important, considering that they have surrendered the same amount as their championship opponent (25).

As a consequence, Os Axadrezados have already won two of their past three games, both with clean sheets, and there is some hope that they may be able to climb out of problems before the conclusion of the season.

Boavista remains at the bottom of the standings with 21 points, having won only six games this season and trailing safety by five, albeit they are only three points behind the relegation playoff slot — so grabbing something this weekend, especially against a side of Sporting's caliber, may be beneficial.

However, Os Axadrezados' struggles at Estadio do Bessa are concerning, with only one win in 15 league games and three losses in a row, leaving them as the division's worst-performing home team.