Moreirense aim to continue Sporting Lisbon's post-Ruben Amorim woes when they host the table-topping Primeira Liga side in Thursday's round 13 match at Parque de Jogos Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas.

Match preview

Although Moreirense may have been given little chance to do damage against Sporting in previous months, the managerial change in Lisbon means the Braga-based side will fancy their prospects on Wednesday.

Despite losing to a seemingly resurgent Rio Ave side under new boss Petit last time out, returning to their turf should fill players and fans with optimism before welcoming the division's top side.

Cesar Peixoto's men are undefeated in front of their supporters, claiming three victories — Arouca (3-1), Santa Clara (1-0) and Gil Vicente (3-2) — and playing out two draws — Benfica (1-1) and Famalicao (0-0).

With the Lions losing at the weekend in Lisbon, Moreirense are one of four clubs to remain unbeaten on home soil this term, an achievement shared with Porto, Benfica and Rio Ave.

Given that the away side have suffered consecutive losses, the hosts hope to end their 20-match winless sequence against the defending champions.

Despite losing to a seemingly resurgent Rio Ave side under new boss Petit last time out, returning to their turf should fill players and fans with optimism before welcoming the division's top side.

Cesar Peixoto's men are undefeated in front of their supporters, claiming three victories — Arouca (3-1), Santa Clara (1-0) and Gil Vicente (3-2) — and playing out two draws — Benfica (1-1) and Famalicao (0-0).

With the Lions losing at the weekend in Lisbon, Moreirense are one of four clubs to remain unbeaten on home soil this term, an achievement shared with Porto, Benfica and Rio Ave.

Given that the away side have suffered consecutive losses, the hosts hope to end their 20-match winless sequence against the defending champions.

Saturday's loss at the Alvalade was the club's first Liga defeat on home soil since February 2023 (1-2 loss against Porto) and first in the top flight since a 3-2 road loss at Vitoria Guimaraes in December 2023.

The defending champions, whose lead atop the standings was cut to three after Porto beat Casa Pia on Monday, last lost back-to-back league matches in August 2022, suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Dragao and falling at home to Chaves (0-2), and they aim to avoid a repeat in Minho.

Having not fallen to three straight losses in all competitions since September 2019 — before Amorim's March 2020 appointment — Joao Pereira aims to avoid having the unenviable record of losing consecutive matches as the Lions desire a return to winning.

Moreirense possible starting lineup:

Kewin; Pinto, Marcelo, Ponck, Frimpong; Tavares, Ismael; Asue, Martins, Antonisse; Schettine

Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:

Kovacevic; Debast, Diomande, Reis; Quenda, Hjulmand, Braganca, Catamo; Trincao, Edwards; Gyokeres