Sporting vs Mafra Match Preview

Sporting face Mafra in this quarter-final of the Portuguese League Cup at Estadio José Alvalade. This is a knock-out game, and in case of a draw, a penalty shoot-out will follow to declare the winner.

The hosts are having an amazing run of 8 wins and 2 draws in the last 10 games played in every competition. In their previous game, they won easily 3-0 over Pacos Ferreira for the Portuguese cup competition and qualified for the quarter-finals.

In the domestic league, they remain at 1st spot of the table, having a slight margin from the other title competitors, Benfica and Porto. Rúben Amorim has done a great job so far on Sporting's bench, and his team shows great balance and chemistry in their matches so far. A small rotation is expected for today's match by the 35-year-old manager, giving chances to some players who performed little this season.

Mafra, on the other hand, competes in the second level of Portuguese football. The season started well for them with 7 wins and 4 draws so far, sitting at the 3rd spot of the table. In the most recent game, they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Casa Pia on the road.

The visitors are aiming for promotion to Primeira Liga this year, but it will be a very difficult task for them to accomplish. Mafra mostly consists of young and inexperienced players.

Sporting is in great shape, remaining undefeated in the last 10 matches, and I don't think they will face any struggle here against Mafra. The home team to win is my call, and also cover the -2,5 goals of Asian Handicap.