Sporting plotting Porto ambush

Having thrashed sixth-placed SC Braga 4-0 in their last outing, runaway Portuguese Liga leaders FC Porto will be seeking more of the same against the side three places below them. Yet Sporting Clube de Portugal are not about to step aside to allow their rivals through – whatever their problems.

Winning mentality
Everything seems to be in Porto's favour this term. Not only are they eleven points clear of SL Benfica at the summit having lost just once all season; coach Jesualdo Ferreira has also ensured that two of his brightest young things, Ricardo Quaresma and Raul Meireles, signed long-term contracts this week. They could be forgiven a modicum of complacency but opponents would be wise not to rely on it. "Our goal is to win, as always," said Meireles. "We are used to this kind of game and enjoy them. Sporting are not in the best of shape but they are a good side so we are prepared to fight for the three points."

'Responsibility to fight'
Indeed, Sporting have little shape at all. Injuries have deprived them of key players all campaign, and on Sunday at the Estádio José Alvalade they will be without Derlei, Tiago Pedrosa and Pedro Silva (all knee), Yannick Djaló and Luis Páez (both thigh), while Abel has a stomach problem. By contrast Ferreira is shorn of just two men, Tarik Sektioui and Leandro Lima. Nonetheless, Sporting beat second-tier SC Beira-Mar 3-0 in the Portuguese League Cup on Wednesday, and Bento is in determined mood. "We will face a great opponent, league leaders on merit," he said. "But we are confident and have a responsibility to fight for victory. That is what we are going to do."

Benfica trip
Striker Liedson added: "Against Porto we have to be focused. It is very important that we get a good result." A Sporting success would certainly make an impact, not least because the weekend also sees third play second, with high-flying Vitória SC hosting SL Benfica on Saturday.