/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F04%2Ffotojet-2026-04-20t184951-919-69e667a78a100560239967.jpg "Preview: Porto vs Sporting Lisbon – prediction, team news, lineups")
Wednesday’s Classico sees Porto aiming to overturn a one-purpose deficit as they welcome Sporting Lisbon to Estadio do Dragao for the second leg of their Taca de Portugal semi-last tie.
The Dragons suffered a 1-0 defeat on March 3, when either side met for the primary leg at Estadio Jose Alvalade, establishing an intriguing contest as the 2 groups battle for a spot within the last towards both Torreense or Fafe.
Match preview
Porto have dominated the Taca de Portugal lately, reaching 5 of the earlier seven finals and lifting the trophy on 4 of these events, although the 20-time winners suffered a fourth-spherical exit to Moreirense final time period.
Eager to make amends for that disappointment, the Dragons have already seen off Celoricense (4-0), Sintrense (3-0) and Famalicao (4-1) this season, whereas additionally edging previous Benfica within the quarter-finals.
However, development past the semi-last would require Porto to erase the deficit from that defeat at Jose Alvalade, which accounts for one in all simply two setbacks within the Blue and Whites’ final 15 matches throughout all competitions (W9, D4).
The different setback got here on the City Ground final Thursday, when Farioli’s quick-handed aspect have been beaten by Nottingham Forest, bringing an finish to their Europa League marketing campaign following a draw within the opening leg on the Dragao.
After successive stalemates at dwelling, Porto returned to profitable methods on Sunday, as second-half strikes from Gabri Veiga and Victor Froholdt secured a 2-0 victory over Tondela to maneuver seven factors clear atop the Primeira Liga standings.
That outcome additionally marked the Dragons’ twentieth win in 25 dwelling matches (D4, L1) throughout all competitions this season, and Porto will hope that report proves decisive on Wednesday as they chase a primary league and Taca de Portugal double since 2021-22.
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© Imago / Brazil Photo Press
Having achieved that feat themselves final time period, Sporting now face a harder path to repeating it after seeing their hole to the league summit widen following a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Benfica in Sunday’s Derby de Lisboa.
In an encounter the place Luis Suarez was denied the chance to place the Lions in entrance from the spot, Andreas Schjelderup transformed from 12 yards on the different finish to provide their metropolis rivals the lead, and though Hidemasa Morita did restore parity within the 72nd minute, Rafa Silva’s stoppage-time strike dealt the Primeira Liga holders a big blow.
That outcome means Sporting have managed only one win throughout their final 4 matches in all competitions (D1, L2), a run that additionally noticed them exit the Champions League to Arsenal within the quarter-finals after failing to overturn a primary-leg deficit, with their goalless draw on the Emirates proving inadequate.
However, holding the benefit on this semi-last tie with Porto presents the Lions a clearer path to development, significantly given they’re unbeaten on an opponent’s floor throughout 29 home fixtures (W20, D9).
That sequence features a 1-1 draw of their most up-to-date go to to the Dragao, extending Sporting’s unbeaten run on the venue to 3 matches (D3), although their final Taca de Portugal journey there led to defeat, one thing Borges and his aspect will purpose to keep away from as they pursue a nineteenth Portuguese Cup crown.
Porto Taca de Portugal kind:
Porto kind (all competitions):
Sporting Lisbon Taca de Portugal kind:
Sporting Lisbon kind (all competitions):
Team News
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© Imago / ZUMA Press Wire
Sunday’s victory over Tondela got here at a price for Porto, as Zaidu Sanusi was pressured off within the second half and is now a serious doubt for this encounter.
If Sanusi is dominated out, Jakub Kiwior may deputise at left-again, whereas Thiago Silva and Jan Bednarek ought to pair up at centre-again, with Alberto Costa retaining his place on the appropriate given Martim Fernandes stays unavailable.
Attacking duo Samu Aghehowa and Luuk de Jong are sidelined for the rest of the season, whereas lengthy-time period absentee Nehuen Perez continues his restoration from an Achilles tendon subject.
Veiga could also be restored to the lineup after making a direct affect off the bench final outing, scoring inside minutes of his introduction, whereas Pablo Rosario and Seko Fofana are additionally pushing for begins in midfield.
As for Sporting, forwards Fotis Ioannidis (knee) and Luis Guilherme (muscle), together with left-again Nuno Santos, are all dominated out, whereas proper-again Ivan Fresneda may miss a 3rd straight match with a muscle downside.
Joao Simoes is the newest addition to the therapy room, with the 19-yr-outdated midfielder set to overlook the rest of the marketing campaign because of a foot damage which will require surgical procedure.
Suarez transformed the decisive penalty within the first leg however was unable to take action towards Benfica on the weekend, and the Colombian striker shall be keen to reply as he leads the road on Wednesday.
Porto doable beginning lineup:
D Costa; A Costa, Bednarek, T Silva, Kiwior; Froholdt, Varela, Veiga; Pepe, Gul, Sainz
Sporting Lisbon doable beginning lineup:
Silva; Vagiannidis, Diamonde, Inacio, Araujo; Hjulmand, Morita; Catamo, Trincao, Pote; Suarez
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We say: Porto 1-1 Sporting Lisbon (Sporting win 2-1 mixture)
Wednesday’s conflict marks the ultimate match in a demanding three-recreation run for Sporting, who shall be eager to keep away from one other irritating final result after their draw at Arsenal and defeat to Benfica.
The Lions have drawn their final three visits to the Dragao, and though Porto returned to profitable methods towards Tondela of their most up-to-date dwelling outing, earlier stalemates on the venue recommend they could discover it tough to completely assert their benefit towards resolute opposition.
For knowledge evaluation of the probably outcomes, scorelines and extra for this match please click here.
