Maritimo v Sporting: Primeira Liga betting preview and tip

7pm Monday

Maritimo v Sporting

Benfica’s 10-0 drubbing of Nacional earlier this month clearly demonstrated the gulf in quality between the big guns and the rest of the Primeira Liga and Sporting can be the latest top dogs to justify favouritism when they travel to Maritimo.

The Lisbon outfit were dumped out of the Europa League by Villarreal on Thursday but they were competitive in their tie against the Spaniards and their hopes were hindered by red cards in both legs.

Sporting are in the middle of a two-legged Portuguese Cup semi-final with Benfica, but with no Thursday football to fatigue them from now on, they will have their sights firmly fixed on securing third spot at the very least.

They have been a stronger unit at home than away this term, with ten of their 14 league triumphs coming at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, but Maritimo have been poor in their own backyard.

No side have scored fewer home goals than Maritimo's six in the league this campaign and they could have their work cut out to breach a Sporting defence who have kept out Porto and Braga already in 2019.

Sporting boast Premier League experience with Tiago Ilori and Sebastian Coates in their back three and they should have few problems containing a Maritimo side who are flirting with relegation.

Primeira Liga standings

Recommendation
Sporting
1pt 4-5 bet365

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