Sporting CP vs Paris Saint Germain Prediction - UEFA Champions League

The match between Sporting CP and Paris Saint Germain, scheduled for 03:00 on January 21, 2026, at the Estádio José Alvalade, is considered a major challenge for both teams amidst the increasingly fierce race for the top spot in the league standings.

Ranking position and importance

Paris Saint Germain currently holds a solid third place position with 13 points after six matches. The French team is demonstrating superior attacking power. Conversely, Sporting CP, ranked 14th with 10 points, is striving to improve its ranking and close the gap with the leading group.

Analysis of form and performance

Sporting CP: Home advantage

Despite inconsistent form in their last five matches (two wins, one draw, and two losses), Sporting CP has shown a different side when playing at Estádio José Alvalade. All three of their wins this season have come at home. However, the Portuguese team's defense is a cause for concern, conceding an average of 1.3 goals per game.

Paris Saint Germain: A formidable firepower.

The visiting team boasts an impressive scoring record, averaging 3.2 goals per game, equivalent to 19 goals in 6 matches. With 3 wins in their last 5 games, PSG is showing the necessary stability to compete for the championship. Their ability to score from multiple positions is the most dangerous weapon the French representative brings to Lisbon.

Team news: Injury crisis

Both teams enter this match with extended absence lists, which will undoubtedly affect the tactical plans of both coaches.

Sporting CP's list of absentees

• M. Hjulmand:Absent due to accumulating enough yellow cards.
• Luis Guilherme:Not competing.
• E. Quaresma:Injury.
• G. Quenda:Foot injury.
• N. Santos:Knee injury.
• Availability is uncertain:O. Diomande, P. Goncalves, F. Ioannidis.

Paris Saint Germain's list of absentees

• A. Hakimi and I. Mbaye:Allowed to rest.
• L. Hernandez:Suspended due to receiving a red card.
• Lee Kang-In:Thigh injury.
• Q. Ndjantou and J. Neves:Muscle injury.
• M. Safonov:Broken arm.

Tactical analysis and prediction

Despite playing away from home, Paris Saint Germain are considered the favorites due to their superior squad quality and impressive goal-scoring record. Sporting CP will have to rely on their home advantage and fighting spirit to compensate for the gaps left by their injury crisis.

In terms of odds, the away team's chances of winning are rated at 45%, the same as the odds of a draw (45%). Meanwhile, the home team's chances of securing 3 points are only 10%. It is highly likely that this will be a match with fewer than 3 goals from Sporting CP and fewer than 4 goals from PSG.

Predicted result:Paris Saint Germain win or draw.

Team lineup updated at 02:23 on 21/01/2026

Official lineup

Sporting CP

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachRui Borges

Starting lineup:

• 1. Rui Silva (G)
• 22. Iván Fresneda (D)
• 25. Gonçalo Inácio (D)
• 2. Matheus Reis (D)
• 91. Ricardo Mangas (D)
• 5. Hidemasa Morita (M)
• 52. João Simões (M)
• 10. Geny Catamo (M)
• 17. Francisco Trincão (M)
• 20. Maximiliano Araújo (M)
• 97. Luis Javier Suárez (F)

Substitutes:

• 41. Diego Callai
• 12. João Virgínia
• 13. Giorgos Vagiannidis
• 45. David Moreira
• 6. Zeno Debast
• 23. Daniel Bragança
• 73. Eduardo Felicíssimo
• 14. Giorgi Kochorashvili
• 27. Alisson Santos
• 90. Rafael Nel
• 58. Flavio Goncalves
• 78. Mauro Couto

Paris Saint Germain

Diagram: 4-3-3

CoachEnrique Luis

Starting lineup:

• 30. Lucas Chevalier (G)
• 33. Warren Zaïre-Emery (D)
• 5. Marquinhos (D)
• 51. William Pacho (D)
• 25. Nuno Mendes (D)
• 8. Fabián Ruiz (M)
• 17. Vitinha (M)
• 24. Senny Mayulu (M)
• 14. Désiré Doué (F)
• 10. Ousmane Dembélé (F)
• 29. Bradley Barcola (F)

Substitutes:

• 89. Renato Marin
• 60. Martin James
• 4. Lucas Beraldo
• 6. Ilya Zabarnyi
• 9. Gonçalo Ramos
• 7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia