Fotis Ioannidis could be in for a big surprise at Santa Clara v Sporting | OneFootball

Luis Suárez and Fotis Ioannidis may join Sporting's starting eleven against Santa Clara, in a move by Rui Borges that doesn't involve tactical changes but introduces a new dynamic to the team's attack. Given the various absences in the squad, the coach has been working with the Greek international as a solution on the left flank, tested for a few minutes during the 6-0 victory over AFS last Saturday.

In the match preview, Rui Borges commented on this possibility, emphasizing that Ioannidis “is not in his best physical condition”, but praised his willingness to take on new roles. “He is a player who gives us many good things, due to his individual characteristics. Above all, I am happy to see daily growth in his physical and confidence levels after the injury. He is available,” he stated, without revealing the final options.

Including Ioannidis in the lineup will allow Sporting to maintain an offensive dynamic based on constant positional exchanges in the trio that plays behind Luis Suárez. The former Panathinaikos player has already shown comfort in playing in the area usually occupied by Francisco Trincão, potentially creating imbalances and confusing Santa Clara's defensive organization.

Another option on the table is Alisson Santos on the right flank, a position he hasn't occupied since arriving at Alvalade, but where he has played in other stages of his career. Without Pote and Geny Catamo, absent for different reasons - injury and CAN - Rui Borges seeks to respond to the limitations with internal solutions.

In defense, Maxi Araújo is expected to remain, returning to the back four. Against AFS, the Uruguayan international was used in a more advanced position and scored twice, showing the ability to cover the entire flank. However, against a more demanding opponent, Rui Borges values the greater defensive solidity and the ability to advance that he offers compared to Ricardo Mangas and Matheus Reis.

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