Portimonense vs Sporting

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Sporting Lisbon is scheduled to play against Portimonense in the final 2023 Primeira Liga match at Estadio Municipal de Portimao this Saturday.

Portimonense currently holds 12th place in the league with 15 points from 14 matches, while Sporting Lisbon leads with 34 points and aims to end the year at the top.

Despite finishing just above the relegation zone last season, Portimonense hasn't found their form this year, sitting close to the drop zone, three points above Gil Vicente.

Following their recent 5-2 loss against Moreirense, where Sylvester Jasper and Filipe Relvas's goals helped recover from a two-goal deficit before conceding three goals in the final six minutes, Portimonense, having had a break from cup competitions, has had almost two weeks to regroup.

Their defensive vulnerabilities are apparent with the team holding the league's second-worst defensive record, conceding 32 goals in 14 games, only surpassed by Chaves with 38 goals.

Portimonense faces a tough challenge against Sporting, a team that has won nine consecutive matches against them since 2019, outscoring them 23-7 during this period.

In the recent Taca da Liga match, Sporting Lisbon clinched a 2-1 victory against Tondela, securing their spot in the semi-finals where they'll face Braga. This win marked their third consecutive victory, following significant triumphs over Porto (2-0) and Sturm Graz (3-0), ensuring their lead in the league and advancing to the Europa League knockout stages.

Sporting's strength this season lies notably in their impeccable home performance, winning all eight matches at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. However, their away record is less impressive, with three wins in six games. They're entering this match after suffering consecutive away losses against Benfica and Vitoria Guimaraes.

Although historically dominant in this fixture, coach Ruben Amorim is aware of the need for his team to stay focused, considering Benfica trailing closely by one point and Porto also posing a threat within striking distance in the standings.

Portimonense enters their final match of the year without injury worries, but two key players will be absent. Ronie Carrillo continues his suspension, missing the second of three games after receiving a red card against Famalicao. Additionally, Midana Cassama, sidelined since the start of the month due to a red card against Casa Pia, will miss the final game of his three-match ban.

Carrillo's absence likely means Paulinho will maintain the number nine position, supported by Jasper and Helio Varela in the attacking trio.

On the other side, Sporting faces the match without four players. Jerry St Juste is sidelined until January due to a muscle injury, while Ivan Fresneda is still recovering from a shoulder issue. Geny Catamo, who appeared briefly against Tondela, might miss the upcoming match due to uncertainty, and Sebastian Coates is set for a period out due to a muscle problem.

Viktor Gyokeres, having an impressive season and currently second in the league's goal scorer rankings, is expected to lead Sporting's forward line alongside Marcus Edwards and Pedro Goncalves.

Portimonense and Sporting Lisbon will conclude their 2023 schedule at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in the 15th round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Saturday.

Ruben Amorim's team enters the match with an impressive record of being undefeated in their last 13 encounters against Portimonense and aims to extend this dominant streak. Portimonense faced a setback in their form with a 5-2 loss to Moreirense on December 17.

Under Paulo Sergio, Portimonense has struggled in their recent performances, failing to win their last four matches, with one draw and three losses, including a 4-1 defeat to Braga in the Taca de Portugal on November 25. Currently positioned 12th in the Primeira Liga standings with 15 points from 14 matches, they are just three points above the relegation zone.

In contrast, Sporting Lisbon secured their place in the Taca da Liga knockout stages with a 2-1 victory over Tondela, claiming the top spot in Group C. Amorim's side is on a three-game winning streak, including a 3-0 triumph over Sturm Graz in the Europa League, finishing second in Group D.

Sporting Lisbon leads the Primeira Liga table with 34 points from 14 matches and has a dominant history against Portimonense, winning 15 of the last 19 meetings. Sporting Lisbon remains unbeaten in their last 12 encounters with Portimonense, recording 10 wins and two draws since a 4-2 loss in October 2018.

Portimonense, however, has shown strength in their recent Primeira Liga home matches, being unbeaten in the last three, with two wins and one draw since their 3-1 loss to Benfica in September. Sporting Lisbon has experienced mixed results in their away games, winning only one of the last four across all competitions, with two losses and one draw since the beginning of November.