Sporting CP vs FC Porto
, KO: 20:15 Aug 3, 2024, Estadio Municipal De Aveiro
THE 2024-24 Portuguese football season officially kicks off on Saturday with Sporting CP battling FC Porto in the Super Cup. Both teams have looked sharp in preseason, particularly in attack and could serve up an open encounter.
Sporting dominated the Primeira Liga last season as they finished 10 points clear at the top of the standings. They only suffered two defeats all season and went unbeaten in two league matches against Porto.
Crucially for Sporting, they are still holding on to Viktor Gyokeres despite strong interest from some of the European heavyweights. Preseason was also fairly smooth for Ruben Amorim’s men, who were unbeaten in three matches and head into Saturday’s clash off the back of 3-0 victory over Spanish side Athletic Bilbao.
It was a generally disappointing Primeira Liga campaign for Porto last season as they finished third on the standings, 18 points off the pace. However, they got some consolation in the end, beating Sporting 2-1 in extra-time to win the Taca de Portugal.
Porto have also been impressive in preseason, winning all six of their warm-up fixtures. Despite losing Mehdi Taremi in the transfer window, Vitor Bruno’s men looked sharp going forward and will head into the Super Cup with a 4-0 victory over Al Nassr.
How the bookies view it: Slight edge for Sporting
Sporting have the slight edge among the bookies and are priced at 5/4 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Porto is valued at 15/8 while Betfred is also offering odds of 11/5 for a draw.
Recent head to head: Always closely fought
Sporting were unbeaten against Porto in the Primeira Liga last season, claiming a 2-0 victory at home before a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture. However, Porto got some revenge in the Taca de Portugal final as they earned a 2-1 extra-time victory over Sporting.
Players to watch: Still no answers for Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres finished as the leading scorer in the Primeira Liga last season, scoring three times against Porto in the process. The striker will be the one to watch on Saturday and is priced at 6/4 by Betfred to find the net.
Evanilson was one of the standout players for Porto last season and will be the one to watch on Saturday. The forward scored in the last two matches against Porto and is priced at 2/1 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Sporting are still holding on to Viktor Gyokeres and the striker is expected to lead the line on Saturday. The likes of Pote and Trincao should provide support while Goncalo Inacio should feature at the back.
Evanilson missed much of Porto’s preseason action after representing Brazil at the Copa America but is expected to feature on Saturday. The likes of Toni Martinez and Nico Gonzalez are also in contention to play.
Sporting CP: Diogo Pinto, St Juste, Coates, Inacio, Geny Catamo, Hjulmand, Morita, Nuno Santos, Trincao, Pote, Gyokeres
FC Porto: Claudio Ramos, Martim Fernandes, Otavio, Fabio Cardoso, Joao Mario, Varela, Grujic, Nico Gonzalez, Ivan Jaime, Martinez, Evanilson
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the attacking quality on both sides, goals could be expected on Saturday. Over 3.5 goals could be considered at 9/4 with Betfred, who is also offering odds of 5/6 for over 2.5 goals.
Sporting have opened the scoring in two of the last three meetings with Porto and could be backed to grab the first goal on Saturday at 5/6 with Betfred.
This match between Sporting CP and FC Porto will be played on Aug 3, 2024 and kick off at 20:15. Check below for our tipsters best Sporting CP vs FC Porto prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
