- Sporting have won the last 3 head-to-head meetings in Primeira Liga, beating Moreirense 3-0 away 8 months ago.
- Moreirense have failed to win either of their last 2 away games against Sporting in Primeira Liga, a streak that has left Sporting in control of this fixture.
Sporting should stay in control
Sporting should have the class to see off Moreirense at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Saturday, however the visitors are in decent form and won't arrive as pushovers. The Leões are coming off a mixed run in league action, with 3 wins and 2 losses from their last 5 games in all competitions. However, Rui Borges' men have been a possession-first side, playing with patience in their build up and pressing in a controlled manner. They have been able to turn the screw when necessary, but overall they should be able to dominate this game as they have done in the past.
Vasco Botelho da Costa has Moreirense playing a high-tempo, transition-heavy game in which they press high up the pitch and look to hit on the break. In many ways, this should be a classic clash of patience vs pace and there is a lot to like about a Both teams to score - No bet at 73/100.
Luis Suarez can profit from home advantage
Luis Suarez is Sporting's best finisher, scoring 5 of their 9 goals across all competitions in the last 5 rounds. However, Ivan Fresneda has supplied the spark for the home side, providing 4 assists in the same games.
Tiago Andrade has been Moreirense's main threat, scoring 2 goals in their last 5 matches across all competitions. But the odds suggest that the home side is the clear pick here.
The odds, 19/100 for a Sporting win, aren't really worth touching, but the Leões should still have enough to edge this one out. Moreirense have looked good lately, winning their last 2 in the Primeira Liga away to Estoril Praia (3-1) and at home to Estrela Amadora (2-1), but Sporting should edge this contest at home.
