Liga NOS: X-Ray of Sporting

After the win over Boavista by 5-1, comes the Lisbon derby against the eternal rival. Benfica travels to Estádio José Alvalade to face Sporting in matchday 20 of the Liga NOS, at 5:30 pm on Sunday. The lions sit 4th with 39 points, as the result of 12 wins, three draws, and four losses.

In the reverse fixture for the Liga NOS (matchday 3), on August 25, 2018, there was a draw (1-1) between eagles and lions at Estádio da Luz. Back then José Peseiro was still the head coach of Sporting – he was sacked in November and replaced by Marcel Keizer, after a short period with Tiago Fernandes as the caretaker.

With the arrival of the Dutch Marcel Keizer, Sporting started to play differently. The most used formation by the lions is the 4x2x3x1, normally composed by the following players: Renan, Bruno Gaspar, Coates, Mathieu, Acuña, Gudelj, Wendel, Nani, Bruno Fernandes, Diaby and Bas Dost.

In relation to the Winter transfer market, the lions decided to add players to the squad: Idrissa Doumbia (holding-midfielder), Cristian Borja (left-back), Luiz Phellype (forward), Tiago Illori (centre-back), Gonzalo Plata (left-winger) and Francisco Geraldes (attacking-midfielder who returned from loan) are the new names.

Top 5 scorers

Top 5 assist providers

Top 5 shooters

Top 5 crosses

Top 5 passing

Text: Diogo Nascimento

Pics: Facebook of Liga Portugal