Sporting CP vs Nacional Prediction, Match Preview, Sun Feb 01 2026

Sporting CP vs Nacional Prediction, Match Preview sets the stage for an intriguing clash in Liga Portugal. Scheduled for Sunday, 1 February 2026, this match will be held at the iconic Estádio José Alvalade. Sporting CP, one of the league’s top contenders, will look to assert their dominance at home against Nacional. This fixture promises to be a significant test for both teams as they compete for crucial points in the league standings.

Sporting CP have been in excellent form this season, turning Estádio José Alvalade into a fortress. Meanwhile, Nacional will aim to upset the odds and secure a valuable result away from home. With both teams eager to climb the Liga Portugal table, this encounter is set to be a compelling contest. Fans and bettors alike will be closely watching the strategies employed by both sides in this important matchup.

Sporting CP vs Nacional Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Sporting CP to Win & Over 2.5 Goals	1.65

Sporting CP look set to dominate this match against CD Nacional, given their excellent home record and recent form. The recommended betting tip is a home win with over 2.5 total goals.

• Sporting CP are unbeaten in 15 consecutive matches in this competition, highlighting their consistency.
• Sporting CP have scored in 95% of their matches this season, demonstrating their strong attacking capability.
• Nacional concede an average of 1.4 goals per game, making them vulnerable to Sporting’s potent attack.

This bet is supported by Sporting CP’s impressive goal difference and their recent high-scoring matches.

Betting Odds

Sporting CP are the clear favourites in this Liga Portugal clash against Nacional, with match odds heavily in their favour at 1.12. Nacional, on the other hand, are significant underdogs at 18.00, reflecting the challenge they face at Estádio José Alvalade.

Betting Tip	Odds
Sporting CP to win	1.12
Draw	8.38
Nacional to win	18

For those looking to bet on this fixture, the draw is priced at 8.38, which could appeal to those anticipating a surprise result. Given Sporting CP’s strong home record, punters might also consider handicap markets for better value.

Sporting CP Analysis & Past Performance

Sporting CP’s recent form has been impressive, with four wins from their last five matches across all competitions. Their resilience was evident in the 3-2 victory against Athletic Club in the Champions League, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Despite a setback in the League Cup against Vitória de Guimarães (1-2), they have maintained a strong league presence.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Athletic Club	Sporting CP	2 – 3 (Win)	Champions League	28 Jan, 2026
Arouca	Sporting CP	1 – 2 (Win)	Primeira Liga	24 Jan, 2026
Sporting CP	Paris Saint-Germain	2 – 1 (Win)	Champions League	20 Jan, 2026
Sporting CP	Casa Pia AC	3 – 0 (Win)	Primeira Liga	16 Jan, 2026
Sporting CP	Vitória de Guimarães	1 – 2 (Loss)	League Cup	6 Jan, 2026

Recent Form:

• WWWWL

Sporting CP’s attack has been prolific, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five outings, while conceding an average of 1.20 goals. This period includes a notable 3-0 clean sheet victory against Casa Pia AC. However, their defensive solidity has shown some vulnerability, with goals conceded in four of the last five matches. At home, they have been formidable, winning 4 out of 5 matches, boasting a win ratio of 0.80. Sporting CP currently sit 2nd in Liga Portugal with 48 points, demonstrating their consistency at the top level.

Sporting CP Suspensions & Injuries

Sporting CP face significant challenges with the unavailability of key players. Matheus Reis, a crucial defensive asset, is suspended following a red card, forcing coach Rúben Amorim to reconsider his defensive setup. His absence could see Maximiliano Araújo step in, but this may leave the team vulnerable to Nacional’s attacking threats.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Matheus Reis	Red card	1	Unknown

Regarding injuries, Geovany Quenda and Fotis Ioannidis are sidelined with a broken foot and ligament injury, respectively, both expected to return by mid-March. Additionally, Salvador Blopa’s absence until late February due to an unspecified injury further reduces the squad’s midfield options. The absence of these players, particularly Ioannidis, who is pivotal in attack, could affect Sporting CP’s ability to execute their usual tactical strategies.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Geovany Quenda	Broken foot	Mid March 2026
Salvador Blopa	Unknown	Late February 2026
Fotis Ioannidis	Ligament injury	Mid March 2026

With these players unavailable, Sporting CP may need to rely on less experienced talents or consider tactical adjustments to maintain their competitive edge. The impact on their overall squad depth could influence betting markets, as their reduced strength may sway predictions in Nacional’s favour.

Sporting CP Key Players

Sporting CP’s attacking strength is led by Luis Suárez, the team’s top scorer with 17 goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit spaces in opposition defences make him a constant threat. Suárez’s partnership with Luís Guilherme in the forward line is crucial, as Guilherme’s agility and vision complement Suárez’s attacking instincts.

In midfield, Morten Hjulmand plays a pivotal role as playmaker, orchestrating the team’s movements with precise passing and tactical awareness. His ability to control the tempo and provide defensive support is indispensable. Defensively, Gonçalo Inácio stands out with his solid performances at the heart of defence, known for his aerial strength and composure under pressure.

Sporting CP’s tactical approach relies heavily on these key players to maintain possession and exploit gaps in the opposition. Their strengths, such as Suárez’s goal-scoring ability and Hjulmand’s midfield mastery, are expected to shape the match’s dynamics.

Expected lineup for Sporting CP:

• Goalkeeper: Rui Silva
• Defenders: Iván Fresneda, Gonçalo Inácio, Zeno Debast, Maximiliano Araújo
• Midfielders: João Simões, Morten Hjulmand, Francisco Trincão
• Forwards: Geny Catamo, Luís Guilherme, Luis Suárez

Sporting CP Tactics and Formation

Sporting CP Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Luis Suárez
• Midfield Pivot: Morten Hjulmand and Daniel Bragança
• Defensive Concerns: Absence of Gonçalo Inácio due to injury
• Notable Strategy: Dominance in possession and attacking through the wings.

Sporting CP typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing them to control the midfield while maximising their attacking options. With Morten Hjulmand and Daniel Bragança as the midfield pivot, they provide both defensive cover and creative support, enabling a fluid transition from defence to attack.

Offensively, Sporting CP rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Luis Suárez, supported by dynamic wingers such as Trincão and Geny Catamo. Their strategy often involves exploiting the flanks, using the width to stretch opposition defences.

Defensively, the absence of Gonçalo Inácio could present challenges, potentially weakening their central defence. This may require tactical adjustments from coach Rúben Amorim to ensure stability, especially against Nacional’s counter-attacks. With only one clean sheet in the last five games, tightening the defence will be crucial for Sporting CP.

Nacional Analysis & Past Performance

Nacional are currently positioned 11th in Liga Portugal with 20 points, placing them in the lower half of the table. Their recent form has been mixed, with just one win in their last five matches. This run includes a notable 4-0 home win against Rio Ave, a 2-1 loss to Gil Vicente, and draws against Santa Clara (3-3) and AVS Futebol SAD (2-2).

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nacional	Rio Ave	4 – 0 (Win)	Liga Portugal	25 Jan 2026
Gil Vicente	Nacional	2 – 1 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	17 Jan 2026
Nacional	Santa Clara	3 – 3 (Draw)	Liga Portugal	11 Jan 2026
Vitória de Guimarães	Nacional	2 – 1 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	2 Jan 2026
AVS Futebol SAD	Nacional	2 – 2 (Draw)	Liga Portugal	21 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WLDLD

In their last five matches, Nacional have averaged 2.20 goals per game while conceding 1.80, indicating a relatively productive attack but a leaky defence. Despite scoring in all five matches, they’ve managed just one clean sheet, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. These issues are exacerbated away from home, where they’ve yet to record a win this season, with four losses and one draw in their last five away fixtures.

Nacional Suspensions & Injuries

Nacional face a challenging situation with several key players on the injury list, notably Ivanildo Fernandes and Filipe Soares, both doubtful for the upcoming match against Sporting CP. Their absence could significantly impact Nacional’s defensive solidity and midfield creativity. Ivanildo Fernandes, in particular, has been vital in the backline, and his unavailability may force coach Tiago Margarido to make tactical adjustments in defence.

In midfield, the possible absence of Filipe Soares could hinder Nacional’s ability to maintain possession and transition effectively. This may see Liziero and Matheus Dias taking on greater responsibility in midfield, potentially altering the team’s dynamics and requiring them to adapt their playing style.

With Ulisses also listed as doubtful, Nacional’s depth will be tested, especially in maintaining balance between defence and attack. Tiago Margarido may need to rely on less experienced squad members to fill these gaps, which could affect the team’s performance against a strong Sporting side.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ivanildo Fernandes	Unknown	Doubtful
Filipe Soares	Unknown	Doubtful
Ulisses	Unknown	Doubtful

Nacional Key Players

Nacional’s attacking threat is led by their top scorer, Jesús Ramírez, who has impressively scored 13 goals this season. Ramírez’s clinical finishing and intelligent movement make him a constant danger, and his partnership with forwards Gabriel Veron and Paulinho Bóia is expected to be pivotal against Sporting CP. Veron’s pace and Bóia’s ability to hold up play provide a balanced attack, capable of stretching and breaking down defensive lines.

Central to Nacional’s midfield strategy is Matheus Dias, whose ability to dictate play and transition the ball from defence to attack could prove crucial. Alongside him, Liziero offers defensive stability and creativity, ensuring the midfield remains compact and dynamic. In defence, Léo Santos and José Gomes are tasked with maintaining a solid backline, which will be essential against Sporting CP’s formidable attack.

Expected lineup for Nacional:

• Goalkeeper: Kaique Pereira
• Defenders: Alan Núñez, Léo Santos, Zé Vítor, José Gomes
• Midfielders: Joel Silva, Matheus Dias, Liziero
• Forwards: Gabriel Veron, Jesús Ramírez, Paulinho Bóia

Nacional Tactics and Formation

Nacional Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Flexible 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Jesús Ramírez
• Midfield Pivot: Matheus Dias and Liziero
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Quick transitions and exploiting wide areas.

Nacional often employ a flexible 4-3-3 formation, allowing them to adapt both offensively and defensively. The key to their midfield lies with Matheus Dias and Liziero, who provide balance between defence and attack, ensuring stability and fluidity in transitions.

Defensively, Nacional have shown vulnerability, with only one clean sheet in the last five matches. The backline, including Alan Núñez and Léo Santos, needs to maintain concentration, particularly against high-pressing teams. The absence of Ivanildo Fernandes due to injury may affect their defensive cohesion.

Offensively, Jesús Ramírez remains pivotal as the leading striker, supported by wingers Gabriel Veron and Paulinho Bóia. Their strategy often involves quick transitions and exploiting wide areas, aiming to utilise the pace and skill of their attacking trio to break down defences.

Sporting CP vs Nacional Head-to-Head Record

Sporting CP have dominated the head-to-head record against Nacional with 27 wins, while Nacional have managed just 4 victories, and there have been 13 draws. The last encounter saw Sporting CP triumph 4-1 away at Nacional in Liga Portugal, showcasing their attacking prowess.

The last time these two met at Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting CP secured a comfortable 2-0 win in Liga Portugal. Historically, Sporting have been formidable at home against Nacional, consistently finding the back of the net.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nacional	Sporting CP	1 – 4	Liga Portugal	2025-08-23
Sporting CP	Nacional	2 – 0	Liga Portugal	2025-01-25
Sporting CP	Nacional	3 – 1	League Cup	2024-10-29
Nacional	Sporting CP	1 – 6	Liga Portugal	2024-08-17
Sporting CP	Nacional	2 – 0	Primeira Liga	2021-05-01