FC Porto v Sporting: preview, absentees and predicted XIs | OneFootball

And, at the end of the day, the equation is this: FC Porto versus Sporting. After the intense battle for top spot in the national league, which by all indications ended up in the hands of the Dragons, the Portuguese Cup now remains for a new take on the clash between Portugal’s two best teams in 2025/26. It is a genuine final before the final, set to resume with the Lions in front (1-0).

The win over Tondela – after the derby result was already known – left the blue-and-white side with the road to the title practically clear. So, for Francesco Farioli, there is no room for doubt in the showdown with Sporting: they have to go all in. It would hardly even need to be stressed that what happened in the first leg – Frederico Varandas’ statements – as well as the deficit on the scoreboard, would already be reason enough to take this approach.

In defence is where the biggest question mark remains, because of Zaidu’s injury and the return of Martim Fernandes. Who will partner the Polish wall? Alberto on the right and Martim on the left? Varela, Froholdt and Gabri Veiga seem to leave little doubt about the trio expected to start the match.

And up front? Pietuszewski is an indispensable can-opener, Deniz Gul has made the most of his chances – quite literally missed by Moffi – and Pepê earned glowing praise from Farioli in the pre-match press conference. A dynamic, physical, intense 4-3-3 with well-drilled patterns of play. Borja and William are also available to come on.

FC Porto and Sporting meet again this Wednesday. Kick-off at the Dragão Stadium is scheduled for 8:45 pm.

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