Sporting CP vs Strasbourg prediction 20.07.2026 | Club Friendly

Sporting CP, a 21-time Portuguese champion, had a decent last season, finishing second in the Liga Portugal, eight points behind the 1st-placed FC Portugal. They also did well in the Taca de Portugal, reaching the finals, but eventually failing 2:1 after extra time to Torrense, despite being a clear favorite. 

During the offseason, the club has been active, as five new players arrived, with Rodrigo Zalazar, Issa Doumbia, and Sergi Altimira surely being the best among them. On the other side, important players like Morten Gjulmand, Geovany Quenda, and Hidemasa Morita left the club. However, we would argue that they are around the same level as last season.

For this match, eight players will miss the game due to their participation in the World Cup. That will greatly affect their defense as three out of four center-backs aren't there (Diomande, Inacio, and Debast), alongside their best left full-back (Maxi Araujo) and goalkeeper Rui Silva. Moreover, Luis Suárez, Francisco Trincão, and Rodrigo Zalazar will also miss the game for the same reasons. 

Strasbourg had a very good start to the last season, spending the first third of the season in spots for the European Qualifiers. However, they eventually failed to reach it, as they finished 8th - only one point away from the desired 7th place. They also had a good campaign in the Conference League, reaching the Semi-Finals, when Rayo Vallecano eventually eliminated them on a 2:0 aggregate. 

During the offseason, the club did not make any big moves. However, they lost their starting goalkeeper, Mike Penders, who returned to Chelsea as he was on a loan deal. As a replacement, they added Milosz Piekutowski, but we doubt he will be their first option at the start of the new season.

For the upcoming game(s), Guela Doue, Valentin Barco, Samir El Mourabet, Diego Moreira, Julio Enciso, and Gessime Yassine will all miss them as they got extra rest after participating in the World Cup.