Porto v Sporting CP: Prediction, Tips and Odds

At one point, this looked like a crucial fixture in a three-way title race in the Portugal Primeira Liga.

Ruben Amorim's departure brought a rocky spell for Sporting CP, opening the door to their rivals to muscle their way into contention for top spot.

However, Sporting have steadied the ship since Rui Borges replaced Joao Pereira as manager. Since then, Porto's form has dipped, leaving the champions in a dominant position, which they can extend with a victory at the Dragao on Friday night. 

Porto v Sporting CP betting tips and predictions

Sporting to win - 8/5

Despite being in the job for around six weeks, Borges already has a win over Porto on his CV. The Lions eliminated them from the League Cup last month with a 1-0 victory at home, not long after Borges beat Benfica 1-0 in his debut.

The coach has picked up some significant results alongside guiding them into the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Leoes restored a six-point gap at the summit of the Primeira Liga, while they're eight points clear of Friday's opponents. 

Porto have made a managerial change of their own, with Vitor Bruno departing after just 29 games. Bruno was the first appointment made by club president Andre Villas-Boas and he has turned to Argentinean Martin Anselmi, but he's had a mixed start at the club.

Porto won at Maccabi Tel Aviv in Anselmi's first game, but they drew 2-2 with Rio Ave last weekend. They trailed twice at the 10th-placed side in that game, leaving them winless in four consecutive Primeira Liga matches.

This Porto side have a good record at home in the league, but they've yet to host either of their Big Three rivals. They've lost 2-0 at Sporting and 4-1 at Benfica, which suggests there's a significant gap between them and the sides above them.

Sporting have won at fourth-placed Braga along with claiming home wins over Benfica and Porto. The visitors have won seven out of 10 away trips, with their three slips coming in their first three road matches following Amorim's departure before normal service resumed with a comfortable 3-0 win at Rio Ave.

Sporting enter this clash having won four of their previous five Primeira Liga games, which has put them clear of the chasing pack.

With Porto dropping points in four straight games - including clashes with sides in 10th, 12th and 14th - the visitors look like the value here.

Sporting don't have a fantastic record at the Dragao of late, but the gulf between these sides appears to be widening despite Amorim's departure. 

The Lions have kept two clean sheets across their last seven away games, so a 2-1 win for the visitors, available at 9/1, might not be too far away. 

Viktor Gyokeres to score - 6/4

Viktor Gyokeres is a doubt after missing Sporting's previous two games, but he's expected to feature. The Swede returns on something of a hot streak, having scored in five of his previous six appearances. 

Gyokeres has 34 goals across all competitions for Sporting this term, including 22 in 19 games in the league. He's also netted nine times in six Nations League games for Sweden, so this has been a fantastic campaign for the sought-after striker.

The Swede is rarely this well-priced, which is understandable given the step-up in terms of opposition. However, he has a fantastic record against Porto.

Gyokeres has scored five goals in six meetings with the Dragons, including strikes in all three league encounters. He netted both goals in a 2-2 draw at the Dragao last season, so he's a great price to score anytime on Friday. 

Alan Varela to be booked - 7/5

Nico Gonzalez departed Porto for Manchester City on deadline day, but the Dragons kept hold of Alan Varela.

The Argentinean midfielder has excelled since signing from Boca Juniors in 2023 and it might be his turn to move on in the summer.

Varela's game is built on work-rate, but he can be untidy and pick up bookings.

The 23-year-old has received seven yellow cards this season, including last time out against Rio Ave, and was also carded in the reverse match.

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Porto v Sporting CP odds

Porto - 17/10
Draw - 9/4
Sporting CP - 8/5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.