Moreirense aim to continue Sporting Lisbon's post-Ruben Amorim woes when they host the table-topping Primeira Liga side in Thursday's round 13 match at Parque de Jogos Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas.
The Lions lost their unblemished Liga record in a shock 1-0 home loss to Santa Clara, but they seek a response against the competition's eighth-placed side.
Match preview
Although Moreirense may have been given little chance to do damage against Sporting in previous months, the managerial change in Lisbon means the Braga-based side will fancy their prospects on Thursday.
Despite losing to a seemingly resurgent Rio Ave side under new boss Petit last time out, returning to their turf should fill players and fans with optimism before welcoming the division's top side.
Cesar Peixoto's men are undefeated in front of their supporters, claiming three victories — Arouca (3-1), Santa Clara (1-0) and Gil Vicente (3-2) — and playing out two draws — Benfica (1-1) and Famalicao (0-0).
With the Lions losing at the weekend in Lisbon, Moreirense are one of four clubs to remain unbeaten on home soil this term, an achievement shared with Porto, Benfica and Rio Ave.
Given that the away side have suffered consecutive losses, the hosts hope to end their 20-match winless sequence against the defending champions.
It will be interesting to see Sporting's response to back-to-back losses at Estadio Jose Alvalade when they travel to a side they have historically dominated, as evidenced by the ongoing unbeaten run in this fixture.
The four previous matches have ended in victories for the Lions, although those outcomes were with Amorim at the helm — a 3-0 triumph, a pair of 2-0 wins and a 1-0 success.
Saturday's loss at the Alvalade was the club's first Liga defeat on home soil since February 2023 (1-2 loss against Porto) and first in the top flight since a 3-2 road loss at Vitoria Guimaraes in December 2023.
The defending champions, whose lead atop the standings was cut to three after Porto beat Casa Pia on Monday, last lost back-to-back league matches in August 2022, suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Dragao and falling at home to Chaves (0-2), and they aim to avoid a repeat in Minho.
Having not fallen to three straight losses in all competitions since September 2019 — before Amorim's March 2020 appointment — Joao Pereira aims to avoid having the unenviable record of losing consecutive matches as the Lions desire a return to winning.
Team News
Moreirense are without Guilherme Liberato (knee) for the rest of the season, while Hernani Infande, Lawrence Ofori and Alan are not anticipated to feature for the hosts.
Although Luis Asue has not scored a league goal since November 8's win over Gil Vicente, the club's top scorer aims to add to his four goals.
Viktor Gyokeres has fired blanks in consecutive games for Sporting, and the Lions need their marksman back on form to avoid a third reverse on the trot.
Eduardo Quaresma's participation is uncertain, but Pedro Goncalves (muscle) and Nuno Santos (knee) are not expected to play for the visitors.
Moreirense possible starting lineup:
Kewin; Pinto, Marcelo, Ponck, Frimpong; Tavares, Ismael; Asue, Martins, Antonisse; Schettine
Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Kovacevic; Debast, Diomande, Reis; Quenda, Hjulmand, Braganca, Catamo; Trincao, Edwards; Gyokeres
We say: Moreirense 1-1 Sporting Lisbon
While Sporting should be expected to claim a fifth straight win over Moreirense, a dip in performance and results since Amorim's departure suggests the Lions could face more bumps in the road in their transition to a new regime.
Therefore, a draw is a plausible outcome on Thursday, which would be particularly satisfying for the hosts, who could extend their unbeaten streak at home to six this term.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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