Sporting CP vs Vitoria de Guimaraes prediction 06.01.2026 | Taça da Liga

Sporting CP return to Taça da Liga business after a frustrating 1:1 draw against Gil Vicente last weekend. Carlos Eduardo's late goal denied Sporting a vital away victory.

Before dropping points in Friday's Primeira Liga contest, Rui Borges's in-form side had won each of four previous games, while they have lost only one of 18 games played since the start of October. 

Usually a reliable force in Lisbon, Sporting Club claimed victories in six of eight home league games this season, leaving them in second spot, seven points behind league leaders Porto. 

The Green and Whites eased to a 4:1 when these sides met just two weeks ago, and a similarly comfortable win seems likely on Tuesday. 

Head coach Borges has four expected absentees this week. Injured quartet Nuno Santos, Zeno Debast, Pedro Gonçalves and Ricardo Mangas remain sidelined for the home side.

Vitoria de Guimaraes make the trip to Lisbon following a nervy 2:1 win against Nacional on Friday evening. Rodrigo Abascal's late goal put the seal on a much-needed victory for Luis Pinto's men. 

Before Friday's hard-fought success, Vitoria had failed to win any of three previous fixtures, while they have suffered defeats in two of their last four games, including that heavy 4:1 reversal against Sporting Club.a

On the road, Vitoria de Guimaraes have struggled, losing four of eight away games this season, and with a poor record in this fixture, will need to come up with a special performance to avoid an early cup exit this week.

Head coach Pinto has just one confirmed injury issue this week. Gustavo Silva misses out with a muscle injury.