Arch-rivals Sporting and Porto are locked on 31 points at the summit of the Liga Portugal table ahead of their pivotal showdown at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Monday.
Both sides have recorded 10 wins, one draw and two defeats in the league this season, with Sporting leading Porto on goal difference.
The Dragoes vs. Leoes fixture always produces fireworks, but the state of the current standings adds an extra level of spice to Monday’s clash.
Sporting head into Matchday 14 on the back of a 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz in the Europa League, meaning they advanced to the knockout phase after finishing second in their group.
Last weekend, however, the Lions suffered a 3-2 defeat to Vitoria SC, despite racking up 70% possession and 12 shots against the European chasers.
Sporting have now lost two of their previous three league outings, with a 2-1 defeat against Sporting preceding last weekend’s loss.
That said, the Lions have avoided defeat in each of their previous 14 home league games, underlining their strength at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Porto, meanwhile, secured a 5-3 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, booking their place in the Champions League knockout phase in the process.
The Dragons have now won six of their last eight matches across all competitions, with 10 victories coming in their previous 13 encounters.
Porto have also managed to win seven of their past nine league games, conceding a measly four goals in the process.
Although the Dragons boast the best defensive record in the division – conceding six goals fewer than Sporting – they have scored seven goals fewer than the Lions.
Head-to-head: Believe it or not, Sporting have failed to win any of their last 13 Liga Portugal clashes with Porto, losing each of the previous five.
When you look at the bigger picture, Porto have lost just four of their last 26 league matches against Sporting, giving the Dragons an edge ahead of Monday’s clash.
Team news: Sporting look set to be without the injured trio of Geny Catamo, Ivan Fresneda and Jerry St. Juste for the foreseeable future.
On the flip side, Porto are currently without Brazilian forward Gabriel Veron and Spanish defender Ivan Marcano due to injury.
When you consider Porto’s domination of the Dragoes vs. Leoes fixture in recent years, it is difficult to make a case for Sporting.
Forebet predicts that Sporting and Porto will combine for over 2.5 goals on Monday, with the visitors outscoring the hosts on this occasion.
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