Sporting Lisbon vs. Estoril (Friday, 6.45pm)
© Reuters
The first weekend of Primeira Liga action in 2024 will get underway at Estadio Jose Alvalade, where Sporting Lisbon will play host to Estoril Praia on Friday evening.
The hosts ended last year in pole position in the league standings, with 37 points after 15 matches, while the visitors are in ninth place with 17 points over the same period.
We say: Sporting Lisbon 2-1 Estoril Praia
Sporting have been flawless at Estadio Jose Alvalade in the league this season, winning all eight matches and scoring two or more goals in seven of those games. While Estoril have shown improvement in attack lately, we feel the hosts will outscore them in this one.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Boavista vs. Porto (Friday, 8.45pm)
© Reuters
Friday's late kickoff in the Primeira Liga will see Porto make the short trip to Estadio do Bessa Seculo XXI to face off against their city rivals Boavista.
The hosts will start this match in 13th place in the league standings, with 16 points in 15 top-flight matches, while the visitors are in third place with 34 points over the same period.
We say: Boavista 1-3 Porto
Both sides are missing a few key players due to injury, suspension and/or international duty, but the visitors are better equipped to handle the situation. Boavista are without two of their four regular starting defenders, and we feel that they will struggle to contain The Dragons' attack in this one.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
