An expected storm in Madeira provides an extra challenge against CD Nacional

Sporting Clube de Portugal are back in Liga NOS action this Thursday, playing CD Nacional in Madeira on Matchday 13. Coach Rúben Amorim is expecting a difficult game -not least because of the expected conditions of the pitch.

"We take things game by game. The best players for the task will play this game, and when this game ends we will start preparing the next one. What can be expected is a Sporting CP side just like we have had all season so far: A team with an excellent attitude, who know the opposition well and who know the limitations they have," he said in his pre-match press conference.

"It will be a difficult game against an organised team with a quality coach. In addition, there may be a storm in Madeira tomorrow, which could make the game as difficult as against Belenenses SAD. We are preparing for a different surface and for wind, since we already know the stadium."

Asked about the winter transfer market, Amorim reiterated his trust in his current squad.

"I intend to use the players I have and I am very satisfied with them. They are practically all ready for the game against CD Nacional and for the following games, which is the most important thing," he emphasised.

As for the lead in the league table and the games ahead, Amorim said that "we will have problems if the coaching staff and the players are distracted by our rivals' fixtures. The important thing is that our team are wide awake tomorrow. It will be necessary considering the adverse conditions we could face."

"In the space of a week we have two games in the league and one in the Cup. We want to win every game. We cannot prepare to lose," he stated.

"Tomorrow we play CD Nacional, who are a very organized team with several variables. They play in different ways and can play with different players. They have a way of attacking that fits our way of defending. We have to be prepared for the game to be a little different due to the weather conditions. They are strong on dead balls. We are prepared for a game of maximum difficulty, but we have worked for that and we want to win the game. If the conditions are fit for us to play, Sporting CP will be competitive and we will fight for the victory."

The game at the Estádio de Madeira kicks off at 6:30pm local time.