Football Season Guide

Successful season in 2020-21, as Leões won their first league title in 19 years. Rúben Amorim had a major impact on the team on his first entire season with the club, picking an almost immaculate run (1 defeat only). So far, Sporting lost only the influential central midfielder João Mário, but the promising Uruguayan Ugarte is about to arrive from Famalicão and should be at least a good replacement, if not an upgrade on the long run. Matheus Nunes will have more minutes in that midfield position too. Ricardo Esgaio and Rúben Vinagre arrived for the wings, as Porro is still carrying an injury from last season and Nuno Mendes should be leaving any time soon. Amorim should definitely keep the 3-4-3 system, even if there may be some new tweaks. Sporting may want to be slightly more bossy and dominant and less reactive during the games, as opponents will now be advised against Sporting's successful recipe from last season. Fans hope this season will see the affirmation of the highly promising playmaker Daniel Bragança and the explosive forward Jovane, but the main focus will surely continue to be over the attacking midfielder Pedro Gonçalves and the holding midfielder João Palhinha. Coates is the leader at the back. Paulinho is the strongest striker, but he will want to be a frequent presence on the score board this time around.