Sat Jan 25 20:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Sporting Lisbon Favourites to Continue Winning Streak Against Nacional

**Lisbon, Portugal** – League leaders Sporting Lisbon are heavily favored to extend their winning run when they host Nacional at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Saturday in a Primera Liga matchday 19 clash. Despite a midweek Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig (2-1), Sporting are confident of securing all three points against an opponent they’ve dominated in recent history.

Sporting’s recent form has been a mixed bag since the departure of former manager Ruben Amorim. Current manager Rui Borges, appointed in December, has overseen three wins and two draws in his six games in charge, including a notable 1-0 victory over rivals Benfica. However, the Leipzig loss highlighted the challenges still facing the team.

The Lions will be without Matheus Reis and Eduardo Quaresma due to injury, while Pedro Goncalves and Nuno Santos remain sidelined for the season. Viktor Gyokeres, who scored Sporting’s only goal against Leipzig, could return to the starting lineup after his impressive 34 goals this season.

Nacional, meanwhile, arrive in Lisbon on the back of consecutive victories – a 2-0 win over Porto and a 3-1 win against AVS. This recent resurgence has lifted them to 13th place in the league, but their away form remains a significant concern. They are winless in their last nine away matches, recording only three draws and six defeats. Further compounding their problems, Nigel Thomas, Lucas Oliveira, and potentially Miguel Baeza are injured, while Djibril Soumare is suspended.

While Sporting’s recent Champions League defeat may be a minor setback, their superior form in the Primera Liga, coupled with Nacional’s abysmal away record, makes a home victory appear highly likely. The prediction is for a comfortable win for the league leaders.

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