'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Last season's Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP are set to host newly-promoted Vizela in league action on Friday.
The game between the two sides is the first of the new Primeira Liga campaign. Vizela are set to feature in the Portuguese top-flight for the first time in 36 years.
Sporting CP had a solid pre-season run as they went without defeat in their four friendlies, winning three and drawing one. Sporting also secured their third piece of silverware of the year in the Supertaca last week.
Sporting CP ran out 2-1 winners over Sporting Braga in the Supertaca clash. Fransergio gave Braga the lead in the first half. However, goals from Jovane Cabral and Pedro Goncalves helped Sporting CP complete a comeback over their opponents.
Vizela, on the other hand, had a disastrous pre-season run, losing five of their six games. The side then crashed out of the Taca da Liga after losing in the first qualification round.
Sporting CP vs Vizela Head-to-Head
Sporting CP and Vizela have only ever met twice, with Sporting CP winning in both encounters.
The two sides last met in December 2014 in a round of 16 Taca de Portugal clash. Sporting CP won 3-2 to advance in a competition that they ultimately went on to win.
Sporting CP Form Guide: W
Vizela Form Guide: yet to play
Sporting CP vs Vizela Team News
Sporting CP
Manchester City loanee Pedro Porro sustained an injury during a pre-season game last month and is still recovering. He was not named in the squad to face Braga last week and will probably sit out the game as well.
Every other Sporting CP player is available for selection by manager Ruben Amorim.
Injured: Pedro Porro
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Vizela
Vizela currently have no injury worries and every player is available for selection.
New arrivals at the club could also be handed their debut when the side face Sporting CP on Friday.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Sporting CP vs Vizela Predicted XI
Sporting CP Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Antonio Adam, Luis Neto, Sebastian Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Ricardo Esgaio, Joao Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Nuno Mendes, Pedro Goncalves, Jovane Cabral, Paulinho
Vizela Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Ivo Goncalves, Richard Ofori, Mohamed Aidara, Marcelo, Kiki, Marcos Paulo, Nuno Moreira, Samu, Raphael Guzzo, Kiko Bondoso, Cassiano
Sporting CP vs Vizela Prediction
Sporting CP are the current holders of the Primeira Liga title. The Lisbon-based side have begun to prepare for their title defense with a very strong pre-season run and a Supertaca triumph.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Vizela have had a poor pre-season, failing to win any of their games. Sporting CP should comfortably secure the three points on opening day.
Prediction: Sporting CP 3-0 Vizela
