Rui Borges plans just one change for Sporting v Porto, find out which one | OneFootball

Sporting is expected to make few changes in the lineup for the Classic against Porto, with only one new development anticipated compared to the team used against Estoril Praia: All indications are that Rui Borges will promote the return of Pedro Gonçalves to the starting lineup, taking the place of Luís Guilherme in the offensive trio.

A key element in Sporting's dynamics, the creative Portuguese player was not used in the 3-0 victory against Estoril last Friday. With six matches scheduled until the international break in March, the coaching staff decided to manage the physical condition of the 27-year-old player, who was not yet at 100% - something confirmed by Rui Borges at the end of the match-, despite having served a suspension in the trip to Moreira de Cónegos.

Returning to competition at the end of January, after about a month and a half out due to a muscle injury, the 'number 8' is still in the process of recovering his best physical condition. In the victory against Famalicão, for example, he played a highly demanding match, even acting as the most advanced forward. In Alcochete, the priority is to minimize physical risks, which is why he remained on the bench against the canaries, without the need to be used.

With the team going through a positive phase, Rui Borges is likely to repeat almost the same lineup presented in the last Classic played at Estádio do Dragão. The Portuguese Cup is considered the second major objective of the season for the national champions, who are looking to repeat the double achieved in 2024/25.

Sporting, Pedro Gonçalves - valued at 30 million euros - has played 25 matches. In the 1,842 minutes played, the footballer has already scored 11 goals and assisted his teammates on six occasions.

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