Gil Vicente has emerged as a dark horse in this season's Liga Portugal, currently holding fourth place after 16 rounds and firmly within the UEFA Europa Conference League qualification zone. Their core strength lies in a solid defensive system, conceding an average of only 0.69 goals per game, ranking them among the league's best. They employ a defensive 5-4-1 formation, focusing on counter-attacks, with a midfield that excels at interceptions. Sporting CP continues their strong form, maintaining their dominance in the league. With 13 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss from 16 matches, they sit second with 41 points, trailing league leaders FC Porto by only 5 points, indicating their clear ambition to compete for the title. Their offensive capabilities are remarkable, scoring 46 goals, making them the league's top-scoring team, while their defence has conceded only 8 goals, the second-best in the league. Their recent form is exceptional. Despite both teams facing squad shortages, the difference in strength remains evident. Sporting CP's superior attacking power, their unbeaten away record, and their historical advantage in head-to-head encounters give them the upper hand. Gil Vicente's defensive resilience and home advantage provide some advantages, but their recent string of draws and the absence of key players will likely make it difficult to overcome Sporting CP's offensive force. Considering Gil Vicente's defensive foundation and the potential for defensive rotations for Sporting CP, a significant victory for the away team is unlikely. Match prediction: Gil Vicente +1.