The stage changes but the same performers play: Rui Borges is preparing to play in the same eleven that started the classic with Benfica and that played so well in the first half. Gonçalo Inácio, Daniel Bragança and Pedro Gonçalves still out in the game against Guimarães
The stage changes, from the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon to Dom Afonso Henriques in Guimarães, but Sporting's interpreters must be the same ones who started the classic with Benfica (1-0) and who played so well in the first half. Conductor Rui Borges wants the orchestra in tune and continued rehearsing the same team during the week.
It was with surprise that Rui Borges designed the team in a 4x4x2 or 4x3x3, depending on the defensive or attacking perspective from which you look at the classic, abandoning the 3x4x3 implemented at Sporting by Ruben Amorim and which lasted almost five years. To do this, it was necessary to make some adaptations, because the squad was built according to the previous coach's scheme, now at Manchester United, and the lack, for example, of new right-backs is evident — even more so with Fresneda being evaluated by the new coach. coach and with Ricardo Esgaio suspended. Eduardo Quaresma was the bet on the right and should continue to be that way, despite leaving the classic at 70', exhausted.
Still in defense, but now on the left, Matheus Reis in the role of full-back who he also knows well — especially because there is no Nuno Santos, a winger who is recovering from a long-term injury. St. Juste and Diomande form the central duo, with Zeno Debast being an option on the bench and with Gonçalo Inácio still out of the picture, recovering from a sprained left ankle. Behind the defensive quartet, goalkeeper Franco Israel.
In the line of four in midfield, Geny Catamo on the right, who scored the only goal in Sunday's classic and is ready to move up the field to the finishing zones. On the left, young Geovany Quenda playing the same role as the Mozambican, looking for the opportunity to score or serve. In the middle, captain Hjulmand and Hidemasa Morita, who returned after injury in the game against Benfica and today should already present superior physical indicators to have breath for longer against Vitória — Daniel Bragança is still recovering from a muscle injury.
Alexandre Brito, midfielder of team B, 19 years old, selected by the coach for the duel at D. Afonso Henriques
Pedro Gonçalves is also recovering from a muscle injury. But despite already going to the field, he still cannot play in Guimarães.
Up front, Gyokeres is inevitable. And no less inevitable is Trincão, having a great season and now with a new role, attacking but also appearing to reinforce a more central area to create imbalances.
