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In Round 26 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Moreirense will host reigning champions Sporting at the Parque Joaquim de Almeida Freitas on Monday.
Moreirense have struggled for form throughout the season. Following their third loss in four games, they remain in the relegation zone (17th). They lost 1-0 at home to Maritimo last Sunday.
Meanwhile, Sporting extended their unbeaten run in the league to six games with a 2-0 win at Arouca on Sunday. They also held Manchester City to a goalless draw at the Etihad in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg but were eliminated 5-0 on aggregate.
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Moreirense vs Sporting Head-to-Head
Since 2002 the two clubs have locked horns 25 times across all competitions. As expected Leoes have been the dominant side against their northern rivals. The visiting side lead 17-2 in wins, while six games have ended in draws.
Sporting are on a 17-game unbeaten streak across competitions against the Minho-based club. The hosts have just one win in league action over the Lisbon giants, coming all the way back in 2003. The other triumph was in the Taca de Portugal in 2012.
They last squared off at Estadio Jose Alvalade in league action in October, where Sporting prevailed 1-0, thanks to Sebastian Coates' first-half header.
Moreirense form guide (all competitions): L-D-L-L-W
Sporting form guide (all competitions): D-W-L-D-W.
Moreirense vs Sporting Team News
Moreirense
Os verdes e brancos have no reported injuries and will have a full-strength squad. Fabio Jose Ferreira Pacheco and Paulinho are set to return from one-game bans.
Injured: Sori Mane.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Sporting
The visiting side trained without the midfield duo of Joao Palhinha and Daniel Braganca. Meanwhile Pedro Goncalves is a doubt having missed the game against Manchester City.
Injured: Joao Palhinha, Daniel Braganca.
Doubtful: Pedro Goncalves.
Suspended: None.
Moreirense vs Sporting Predicted XI
Moreirense (3-4-3): Kewin Oliveira Silva (GK); Lazar Rosic, Pablo Santos, Artur Jorge; Paulinho Mota, Fabio Pacheco, Ibrahima Camara, Jefferson Jr.; Yan Santos, Rafael Martins, Walterson Silva.
Sporting (3-4-2-1): Antonio Adan (GK); Goncalo Inacio, Sebastian Coates, Zouhair Feddal; Ricardo Esgaio, Bruno Tabata, Matheus Nunes, Matheus Reis; Pablo Sarabia, Paulinho; Islam Slimani.
Moreirense vs Sporting Prediction
Sporting have the best defensive record in the competition, conceding just 16 goals in 25 games. Moreirense have failed to score in their last two home games and are expected to struggle again.
They are winless against the visitors since 2012, and it is very unlikely they'll be able to pull an upset here. Sporting should secure a comfortable win.
Prediction: Moreirense 0-2 Sporting.
