Sporting will face Santa Clara in the second semi-final of the Taca de Liga on Wednesday at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa kickoff at 10:45 pm.
Sporting Lisbon began their Portuguese League Cup semi-final match against Famalicao, knowing they had slipped to two losses in their last three league games. They overcame Famalicao and Penafiel in Group B to secure a place in the semi-final.
On Saturday, Santa Clara defeated Moreirense 2-0. In their first league match of the year, also at home, they beat Sporting 3-2. They topped Porto in Group D to set up a date against Lisbon giants Sporting.
Santa Clara and Sporting have played each other 13 times since 1999, with all the meetings coming in the Primeira Liga. Sporting has won 10 of those games, two were drawn, and just one has ended in a Santa Clara victory.
The 3-2 win at the Estádio de São Miguel against Benfica earlier this month was historic for Santa Clara.
Sporting CP vs. Santa Clara Head to Head
Both sides have 13 games against each other, with hosts taking 10 wins while opponents with only one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Sporting CP 1-2 Sporting Braga
- FC Vizela 1-2 Sporting CP
- Leca 0-4 Sporting CP
- Santa Clara 3-2 Sporting CP
- Sporting CP 3-2 Portimonense
Away
- Moreirense 0-2 Santa Clara
- Santa Clara 2-2 Tondela
- Santa Clara 3-2 Moreirense
- Pacos de Ferreira 2-1 Santa Clara
- Santa Clara 1-0 Vitoria SC
Sporting CP Team News
Nuno Santos will return to the squad, having served a one-match ban against Braga. Pedro Porro is still a doubt for the game. He did not feature for the reigning champions in 2022 and remained a doubt for the game.
Santa Clara Team News
Os Açoreanos will have to play without central midfielder Costinha, who ruptured his Achilles tendon earlier this season. Defensive midfielder Pierre Sagna was suspended for the previous match after testing positive for COVID-19 and is unlikely to be selected here.
Prediction and Odds
Sporting has lost two games in the 2022-23 league season, while Santa Clara’s record stands at two wins and a draw. Sporting still boasts the best defensive record in the Portuguese top-flight.
- Sporting CP Win
- Goals Over 3.5
- Both Teams to Score
