Match Info

Competition: Club Friendly

Date: July 31, 2026

Kick-off: 19:00 UK

Venue: Estádio José Alvalade

Sporting Lisbon Preview

Sporting Lisbon return to the Estádio José Alvalade looking to extend an impressive pre-season run after winning each of their last three friendlies. The Portuguese champions have looked sharp in attack and well organised defensively, with manager Rui Borges continuing to build momentum ahead of the new Primeira Liga campaign. Sporting's fluid attacking style and ability to dominate possession have been evident throughout the summer, making them one of Europe's most in-form teams heading into this fixture.

Adding further intrigue to the contest is the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding defender Ousmane Diomande, who has been heavily linked with Nottingham Forest in recent days.

Nottingham Forest Preview

Nottingham Forest travel to Lisbon unbeaten in pre-season and eager to continue building confidence before the Premier League season begins. Nuno Espírito Santo has gradually integrated new arrivals while maintaining the disciplined defensive structure that helped Forest enjoy an impressive campaign last season.

Forest possess plenty of attacking quality through Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood, while their ability to counter quickly could trouble Sporting if the hosts commit too many players forward. A positive result against Portuguese champions would provide another significant confidence boost.

Probable Lineups

Sporting Lisbon (3-4-3)

Silva; Diomande, Inácio, Quaresma; Fresneda, Hjulmand, Morita, Reis; Trincão, Gyökeres, Catamo

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Danilo, Dominguez; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

We Say

Both teams have enjoyed encouraging pre-season campaigns, making this one of the standout friendlies of the week. Sporting's excellent home form and attacking rhythm give them a slight edge, but Forest have shown they are capable of competing with strong European opposition. A closely contested draw would not be a surprise.