Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes prediction 14.08.2026 | Liga Portugal

After two consecutive seasons, Sporting CP finished behind Porto in the previous campaign. Of course, they are again among the favorites for the most important trophy in national football, alongside Porto and Benfica. Sporting CP had an encouraging preseason with four victories, and they expected the positive streak to continue in the season opener last week in Amadora against Estrela. The guests were better throughout the game and even had a 2-0 lead, but the hosts scored two late goals, and surprisingly, Sporting CP left with only one point. 

Sporting CP are usually very active in the transfer window, and this summer is no different. This week, the team's Ousmane Diomande left for Nottingham Forest for 40 million euros. The defender played in 31 matches for Sporting CP last season. We should expect more transfers from Leões in the coming weeks. 

Sporting CP have problems with missing players. Ibrahimi Ba and Joao Simoes are injured and will not play on Saturday night, while Daniel Braganca and Pote are questionable, and their statuses will become clearer closer to kickoff. 

Vitoria Guimaraes are regularly a top-half Liga Portugal team. Last season, they finished ninth in the standings, and that was the worst position for the team in almost a decade. Tiago Margarido's team expects a slightly better placement in the 2026/27 campaign. In the preseason, they were excellent with five victories and two draws. However, in the opening league round, Vitoria Guimaraes surprisingly lost 1-0 at home to Arouca. The hosts ended with an xG of 2.28, while the visitors had only 0.42, but Vitoria's poor offense cost them points. 

Since the last match, Vitoria Guimaraes also made one transfer. The team left defender Rodrigo Abascal, who is now a player for Saudi Arabian club Al Riyadh. The center-back appeared in 36 matches across competitions for Vitoria Guimaraes in the previous season. 

Vitoria Guimaraes should have a full squad on Saturday in Lisbon.