Jorge Jesus sets the stage the weekend's Liga NOS action, with Alvalade's youngsters expected to against feature

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Jorge Jesus reaffirmed his confidence in Alvalade's young blood, while stressing the importance of giving the latest batch of Sporting CP talent time to mature.

"Playing for Sporting CP is one thing, playing for Moreirense is another [reference to the return of Daniel Podence and Francisco Geraldes]. We have to be careful with the lads. Gelson Martins had João Mário as an example and when we needed him he stepped up. In relation to Daniel Podence, if anyone believes in him then it is me", opened Jesus.

Nacional are one of the sides who took points of Sporting CP earlier in the season, but the Alvalade is more focused on playing some good football rather than avenging the reverse fixture: "Just like Tondela, Nacional are fighting to stay in this division. Every match is a final for them and that is how they will play tomorrow. Unfortunately for us, they took points off us earlier in the season. We have been playing well recently and hopefully we will get the result and play quality football."

Jorge Jesus finished with a word of praise for Bas Dost, Sporting CP's medical team's work with Adrien and the Alvalade skipper's stand-in, Bryan Ruiz: "We want Bas Dost to finish as the league's top scorer. He can win an individual title, but it will reflect well on the whole team who have helped him. Over the whole season Adrien Silva has been out for four months, but we hope he will be back after the international break and that is down to our medical team. For now I made the right choice with Bryan Ruiz. He played really well against Tondela."