On Friday night, Sporting CP hosts Pacos De Ferreira at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, as the home team attempt to consolidate their position in the Primeira Liga’s European spots.
Sporting are currently fourth in the table and occupy one of the Europa League qualification spots. However, they are level on points with fifth-place Famalicao, but also just three points behind third-place Sporting Braga.
Morning training ✅ #SportingCP 🔜 FC Paços de Ferreira pic.twitter.com/UM6uf7J25x— Sporting CP English (@SportingCP_en) June 9, 2020
Morning training ✅ #SportingCP 🔜 FC Paços de Ferreira pic.twitter.com/UM6uf7J25x
The home sides chances of landing a top-four finish have not been helped by a recent inconsistent run of form, in which Sporting have picked up just two wins from five league outings. Last time out, they drew 2-2 with Vitoria Guimaraes. The game saw Emanuel Ferro’s team score at least twice for the third time in four games.
Sporting have a strong recent home record in Primeira Liga of late, winning seven of their last nine matches on home soil in the Portuguese top-flight, including their last four league games, while conceding only once. Their recent matches in the league have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in six of their last eight outings.
Pacos de Ferreira are just one place above the relegation zone but are five points clear of danger with a game in-hand on 17th place Portimonense.
They may look comfortable, but they will still be looking over their shoulders slightly nervously at the bottom two.
The visitor’s recent league form has kept them out of the relegation zone, as they have won three of their last four league matches. Last time out Pepa’s team recorded a 3-2 win at Rio Ave, which saw them score at least two goals for the third time in four league matches.
Forebet predicts that Sporting will run out comfortable winners in a high-scoring encounter to enhance their last four chances.