Rui Borges set for line-up shake-up in Sporting’s Cup debut | OneFootball

Rui Borges is preparing several changes to Sporting’s starting eleven for the Lions’ debut in the Portuguese Cup, against Paços de Ferreira. For now, João Virgínia, Ousmane Diomande, Eduardo Quaresma, Ricardo Mangas, and Alisson Santos are strong candidates for the starting lineup.

Upon returning from the international break, the green-and-white coach intends to give minutes to some players who have had less playing time at the start of the season, using the game against the Liga 2 side as a ‘soft launch’ before returning to the Champions League and the National Championship.

As has already happened this season, Virgínia should once again take Rui Silva’s place in the Sporting goal, but the changes don’t stop there. Having recovered from injury, Diomande’s presence in the starting eleven is almost certain alongside Quaresma — especially since Gonçalo Inácio is injured and Zeno Debast is just back from international duty — while Alisson should get his first start since arriving at Alvalade.

The midfield still has some question marks, as Morten Hjulmand and Giorgi Kochorashvili were on international duty, while only Hidemasa Morita remained under the Lions’ coach’s orders. Elsewhere, to allow for rest, Mangas should take Maxi Araújo’s place.

Fotis Ioannidis could be Rui Borges’ choice for the green-and-whites’ starting eleven.

The match, part of the third round of the Portuguese Cup, against the team led by Filipe Cândido, will be played at the Estádio Capital do Móvel at 8:15 p.m.

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