Pacos Ferreira vs Sporting Lisbon Prediction & Betting Tips - Liga Portugal

Prediction published on 05/05/2023, 14:47  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 05/05/2023 at 15:22 in Liga Portugal Predictions

Pacos de Ferreira will on Sunday host Sporting Lisbon in Round 31 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga looking to secure a vital win that will boost their chances of survival. Pacos are second from bottom and eight points adrift of safety heading into the final four matches of the season while Sporting are fourth and gunning for a place in the Champions League next season. Chances of securing outright survival are slim for Pacos de Ferreira but if they will be unable to do so then they will target a relegation playoff slot and live to fight another day. Cesar Peixoto’s charges secured a crucial win last time out, winning 2-1 away to Vizela and moved to 22 points which is now just two points adrift of 16th-paced Maritimo who occupy the sole relegation playoff slot. The win, their fifth of a turbulent campaign, ended a run of five matches without a win that saw them lose three matches on the trot. Pacos have always struggled against Sporting and have lost 14 straight against the capital club but will head to this match believing they can cause an upset.

Sporting Lisbon are already assured of a top-four finish and a place in Europe but are still mathematically in the race for a Champions League slot despite trailing Braga in third place by seven points. Sporting will at the very least play in the Europa Conference League next season but will continue targeting a top-three finish with the remaining four rounds of play. Ruben Amorim’s men haven’t lost in 10 straight league matches (eight wins) which has allowed them to move up to 64 points. They have won their last two matches and beat Famalicao 2-1 at home last time out. Sporting will see this as a disappointing campaign as they have not been able to challenge for the league and will want to finish strongly. They will cross their fingers that Braga stutter on Saturday in their high-profile clash with leaders Benfica.