When Sporting Lisbon hosts Famalicao for round 26 on Saturday, they want to increase their advantage at the top of the Primeira Liga rankings.
After winning their past two games in the top division, the Lions now have 59 points, three more than second-place Benfica, who still have a game to play.
Sporting has won three straight games for the first time since former manager Ruben Amorim left.
Before defeating Estoril Praia and Casa Pia 3-1 in the league, the Lions started this run by defeating Gil Vicente in the Taca de Portugal.
Manager Rui Borges will undoubtedly be delighted with his team's recent turnaround, especially after enduring a five-game winless streak across all competitions, which included three draws in the league.
Sporting’s form in the Primeira Liga has been impressive, as they are now unbeaten in their last 12 matches. Their most recent league defeat dates back to December 5, when they suffered a 3-1 loss to Moreirense under Joao Pereira.
The Green and Whites will be optimistic about extending their strong run of form, especially as they prepare to face Famalicao, a team they have dominated in their last seven encounters. This includes a convincing 3-0 win in their previous meeting this season.
Sporting’s home record this campaign has been formidable, with 10 wins, one draw, and just one defeat. Their 31 points at home are second only to Benfica, and they will look to leverage this advantage in their upcoming match.
On the other hand, Famalicao bounced back from their defeat to Nacional with a narrow 1-0 victory over Rio Ave last weekend, showing resilience as they aim to challenge Sporting’s dominance.
Fama won four of their last seven games, which is as many as they had won in their last eighteen games, thanks to a goal from Sorriso in the 19th minute.
With 34 points from eight victories, ten draws, and seven losses, Oliveira's team is now ranked ninth in the rankings.
Keeping clean sheets in six of their last seven games—more than any other team at that time—has been the foundation of their comeback.
Vila Nova has amassed 16 points from 12 away games, which puts them sixth in the division. They have also scored 18 goals in those games, making them the third most prolific away team in the league. They will be hoping that this record holds as they travel to Sporting this weekend.
