It has been a busy transfer window for Sporting CP, most of their top players sold and more set to depart.
I think Amadora can find a goal at home, but the Lions’ squad strength should come to the fore in the end.
HTH - Sporting on a Streak
Sporting CP have won the previous 13 encounters against Estrela da Amadora to lead 28-4 alongside eight draws.
New Manager for Amadora
Estrela da Amadora survived by the narrowest of margins last season, avoiding the relegation playoff on goal difference. They lost 16 of their 34 Liga matches, winning only six times.
Pepa returns to Portugal to become the new manager, replacing Cristiano Bacci. His side haven’t been beaten in their last four preseason friendlies.
The run ended with a 4-2 victory over Al Nassr thanks to goals from Leandro Antonetti, Abraham Marcus, Sydney van Hooijdonk and Beni Souza.
Seven Straight for Sporting
Sporting were unable to make it three straight Liga Portugal titles, finishing second behind Porto. They blew a fantastic chance to win the Portuguese Cup, going down to Torreense in the final.
The Lions had a perfect preseason, winning all seven matches. They took on some strong teams, defeating Celtic 4-1, Strasbourg 7-0, Monaco 2-0 and Nottingham Forest 4-1.
Rui Borges’ side ended the run against 1.º Dezembro, winning 4-0 with Luis Suárez scoring the final goal.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Estrela da Amadora (4-2-3-1) Léo Linck; Jefferson Encada, Bernardo Schappo, Luan Patrick, Rafa Soares; Eddy Doué, Robinho; Abraham Marcus, Lovro Zvonarek, Ianis Stoica; Sydney van Hooijdonk
Stefan Lekovic is suspended here with Bernardo Schappo to partner Luan Patrick in central defence.
Amadora have spent minimal funds in the transfer window with Lucas Mincarelli, Rafa Soares, Lovro Zvonarek, Beni Souza and Stefan Leković joining the club.
Otávio joined Eintracht Frankfurt for €4.5m with Rodrigo Pinho and Jovane Cabral saying goodbye to the club.
Sporting CP (4-2-3-1) Rui Silva; Georgios Vagiannidis, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Iván Fresneda; Sergi Altimira, Silas Andersen; Geny Catamo, Issa Doumbia, Rodrigo Zalazar; Luis Suárez
It has been a busy transfer window for Sporting with Morten Hjulmand, Hidemasa Morita, Francisco Trincão and Geovany Quenda the main departures.
Rumours continue to surround Ousmane Diomande, Daniel Bragança and Pedro Gonçalves.
The club have signed Ibrahima Ba, Silas Andersen, Sergi Altimira, Pedro Lima, Issa Doumbia, Jesse Derry and Rodrigo Zalazar.
Nuno Santos and João Simões are out with Ibrahima Ba and Zeno Debast unlikely to feature. Maxi Araújo is serving a suspension.