Match Previews

The Lions beat Marítimo last Saturday (2-1) for the Cup - the scorers were centre-back Tonel (r) and striker Liedson (k)... Attacking midfielder Izmailov (r) is fit to play but in-form attacker Vukcevic (k) and attacking midfielder Romagnoli (r) are both doubtful... Defensive midfielder Adrien Silva (sp) is unavailable due to injury... Sporting reached the next stage of the Portuguese Cup after beating Marítimo 2-1 and usual starters like Miguel Veloso and Romagnoli were benched to have a rest. Anyway, the former had to play more minutes than firstly expected because defensive midfielder Adrien Silva got injured - he will miss this match. Attacking midfielder Izmailov had a light injury and he was rested in that Cup fixture. He's now recovered from that injury and ready to play. However, Paulo Bento called up 20 players because he still doesn't know if the in-form attacker Vukcevic and attacking midfielder Romagnoli will be recovered at time from their injuries. If these two are not ready to play, then Bruno Pereirinha should be placed on the right side of the diamond with João Moutinho going to the top, whilst the new signing Brazilian forward Rodrigo Tiuí would be playing together with striker Liedson upfront instead of the Montenegrian International. Winter signings left-back Leandro Grimi (one goal assist in the Cup fixture) and forward Rodrigo Tiuí were starters against Marítimo. This season, only Manchester United have beaten Sporting at Estádio de Alvalade. Right-back Abel is not on his best form as he has just recently returned from injury.