Tue Dec 23 20:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on that information:

Summary:

Sporting Lisbon manager Rui Borges is unlikely to make significant changes to the starting lineup for the upcoming match against Guimarães compared to the team that played against Santa Clara in the Portuguese Cup. The only confirmed change is João Virgínia replacing Rui Silva in goal. The central defense pairing of Quaresma and Inácio will remain. There’s uncertainty at left-back between Matheus Reis and Maxi Araújo. In midfield, Hjulmand is a certain starter, with Morita and João Simões competing for the other spot. Trincão will play in the attacking midfield role, while Alisson, Blopa, and Ioannidis are vying for the two remaining attacking positions (contingent on whether Maxi Araújo plays as left-back). Several youth players (Blopa, Flávio Gonçalves, and Rodrigo Ribeiro) have been called up to the first team for the game.

News Article:

Sporting CP Set for Guimarães Clash with Minimal Lineup Changes Expected

Lisbon, Portugal – Sporting CP manager Rui Borges is expected to field a largely unchanged starting eleven for the upcoming Primeira Liga match against Vitória de Guimarães, according to sources close to the club. The potential starting lineup draws heavily from the team that faced Santa Clara in the Taça de Portugal.

The most notable confirmed change is in goal, where João Virgínia will replace Rui Silva. The central defensive partnership of Eduardo Quaresma and Gonçalo Inácio remains solid, with limited alternative options currently available.

The left-back position is the subject of speculation. Both Matheus Reis and Maxi Araújo are in contention for the starting role. Borges used both players in the match against Santa Clara, with Reis at left-back and Araújo further up the wing. Should Araújo play at left-back, he would be stepping down a role.

In midfield, Morten Hjulmand is a guaranteed starter. The spot beside him sees a battle between Hidemasa Morita, rested against Santa Clara, and João Simões, who started that match. Francisco Trincão is slated to play in the attacking midfield role.

The remaining attacking positions are up for grabs. Alisson Safira, Blopa, and Fotis Ioannidis are all competing for a place in the starting eleven, with the exact formation and player selection dependent on the decision regarding Maxi Araújo’s role.

Several players from Sporting CP’s youth setup, including Blopa, Flávio Gonçalves and Rodrigo Ribeiro, have been called up to the first team for the match. This indicates a potential for some fresh faces on the bench.

Sporting CP will be looking to secure a vital win against Guimarães as they aim to climb the league table.

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