Gonçalo Inácio for Sporting v Arouca? Rui Borges has decided, more news | OneFootball

Rodrigo Zalazar is expected to return to Sporting’s starting eleven for the home match against Arouca, after beginning on the bench against Famalicão. The Uruguay international was hampered by illness, but he has now recovered and is once again in Rui Borges’ plans for the starting lineup.

In defence, the trend is towards continuity. Gonçalo Inácio is expected to keep his place in the starting eleven, despite the recent criticism and the two own goals in the last matches. Rui Borges continues to trust his captain and wants to avoid changes that could further destabilise the back line.

The absence of Ibrahima Ba also weighs on the decision. With the Senegalese centre-back unavailable, dropping Inácio would force Zeno Debast or Eduardo Quaresma to adapt to the left side of central defence, something Sporting want to avoid at a time when they are looking for greater stability at the back.

The clash with Arouca takes on added importance for the Lions, not only because of the need to respond to the draw in Famalicão, but also because it comes before the clássico between Porto and Benfica. Rui Borges is therefore expected to make some attacking rotation, but without giving up his trust in Gonçalo Inácio.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.