Primeira Liga | Gameweek 15

Dec 22, 2024 at 8.30pm UK

Estadio Cidade de Barcelos

Gil Vicente vs Sporting Lisbon

Match preview

When Gil Vicente take the field on Sunday, they will do so with the knowledge that the defending champions are still struggling for victories post-Amorim.

Coach Bruno Pinheiro will be hoping his players can exploit any weakness shown by the league leaders as they look to record a third successive La Liga triumph following wins over Nacional (2-1) and bottom side Farense (1-0).

The Galos last achieved this feat in April 2021, when they defeated Vitoria Guimaraes (4-2), Nacional (2-0) and Rio Ave (2-0), and the hosts will be hoping that their fine home form, coupled with Sporting's poor form, will give them a boost.

The fans could play a key role in the outcome of this weekend's clash, given the home side's dismal record against Sporting: nine defeats and one draw in the last 10 meetings.

Despite this miserable run, the Galos will welcome the chance to inflict a first defeat on the Lions in this fixture since December 2019 (3-1), when Silas was still in Lisbon.

To avoid that, Joao Pereira will be hoping that the exertions of midweek's 2-1 cup win over Santa Clara in extra time do not prevent his side from making it three wins in a row.

The recent victories over Boavista and Santa Clara followed a four-game losing streak in all competitions, which immediately raised doubts about Amorim's successor, and the previous Primeira Liga defeat saw Benfica cut Leoes' lead at the top of the table to one point.

They have the advantage of playing before their second-placed rivals, who do not play until Monday's clash with Estoril.

Third-placed Porto, two points behind the defending champions, could leapfrog Sporting before Sunday, with Vitor Bruno's men favourites to take maximum points from Saturday's trip to Moreirense.

Depending on the outcome, Pereira's side could need three points on Sunday to avoid going into Christmas without top spot, a situation that seemed unlikely following Amorim's move to Manchester United in November.

Recent Performance

Gil Vicente Primeira Liga form:LLLLWW

Gil Vicente form (all competitions):LLWLWW

Sporting Lisbon Primeira Liga form:WWWLLW

Sporting Lisbon form (all competitions):LLLLWW

Team News

Jorge Aguirre could replace Caue at centre-forward on Sunday, with the striker suspended following his late dismissal against Farense.

The Galos have a relatively healthy squad, with Sphephelo Sithole (broken leg) the only announced absentee ahead of the visit of the Lisbon giants.

Ricardo Esgaio and Jeremiah St Juste were both sent off in the Taca de Portugal win over Santa Clara, ruling them out of this weekend's clash.

Although Goncalo Inacio is doubtful, Pedro Goncalves (muscle), Nuno Santos (tendon), Daniel Braganca (muscle) and Hidemasa Morita (thigh) are all out through injury.

After scoring once in four games under Pereira, Viktor Gyokeres has found the back of the net against Boavista in the Liga and Santa Clara in the Portuguese Cup and will be hoping to add to his tally of 18 in the top flight when they meet in week 15.

Possible starting lineup

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:

Andrew; Carlos, Sa, Fernandes, Cruz; Fujimoto, Gbane, Garcia; Correia, Aguirre, Mboula

Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:

Israel; Debast, Diomande, Reis; Catamo, Simoes, Hjulmand, Araujo; Trincao, Gyokeres, Quenda