Likely Sporting XI v Santa Clara: Rui Borges has doubts on return | OneFootball

Rui Silva, Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio and Ricardo Mangas; Morten Hjulmand and Hidemasa Morita; Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão, Maxi Araújo and Pote. This is expected, at the outset, to be Sporting’s starting eleven for the match against the Azorean side.

Rui Borges is set to field his first-choice centre-back pairing, despite some doubts surrounding the Portugal international, who is said to have returned from international duty carrying a knock. Out wide, with Luis Suárez suspended, Maxi Araújo is expected to be used further forward, with Mangas returning to the starting line-up, while Iván Fresneda is untouchable on the right.

In midfield, Morten Hjulmand remains among the Sporting coach’s options and is expected to partner Hidemasa Morita, provided he has recovered. Elsewhere, Geny Catamo should appear on the right, while Maxi takes up the left-sided role, with Francisco Trincão supporting the fluid attack and Pote leading the line.

Sporting return to action this Friday, April 3, against Santa Clara. The match, part of the 28th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, against Petit’s side, will kick off at 8:30 pm at the José Alvalade Stadium.

At the moment, the green-and-whites sit in third place in the National Championship standings, with 65 points. Benfica are third with 65 (having played one more game), while Porto lead the competition with 72 points (also having played one more game).

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