The team takes on their ninth league game of the season this weekend

Sporting CP look to keep their unbeaten league run going with another victory this weekend, as they take on Famalicão on Saturday night at 6pm local time. Rúben Amorim's side come into the game top of the Liga NOS table, their only dropped points so far having come in the 2-2 home draw against FC Porto back in October.

CURRENT FORM
Last time out, Sporting CP beat Moreirense 2-1 at the Estádio José Alvalade, recovering from an early own goal as the league’s top scorer Pedro Gonçalves equalised and completed the turnaround with a brace.

Famalicão are currently 10th in the standings, with 9 points to their name, and enter the contest off the back of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Paços de Ferreira on Matchday 8. The home side have had since last Friday to prepare for the visit of Os Leões.

LAST SEASON
Sporting CP were beaten by Famalicão in both of the fixtures played between them last season. The first, at the José Alvalade, began in promising fashion with a goal from Luciano Vietto on 25 minutes, but a second half goal from Rúben Lameiras leveled for the visitors and an unfortunate own goal by Sebastián Coates in the closing moments handed Famalicão the victory.

In the reverse clash, held back in March at the Estádio Municipal 22 de Junho, Coates provided the consolation goal in a 3-1 loss.

A RETURN FOR ‘POTE’
Pedro Gonçalves joined Sporting from Famalicão in the summer, after a season in which he played 33 league games and scored 5 goals for the club.

‘Pote’ is now the Liga NOS’ top marksman, with an astonishing record of 9 goals from 7 appearances so far this term. 

FAMALICÃO’S DEFENSIVE WOES
Gonçalves will be confident of his chances of scoring against his former club, as ‘Fama’ have conceded 16 goals from their opening eight matches in the Primeira Liga.