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

And, deep down, the equation is this: FC Porto versus Sporting. After the intense battle for the lead in the national championship, which everything indicates has ended up in the dragons’ hands, 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 early final, which resumes with the lions ahead (1-0).

The win over Tondela – after the result of the derby 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 clash 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’s 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 lock-picker, Deniz Gul has made the most of the chances – 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. Borja and William are also available to come on.

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

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