Sporting Lisbon faces Sturm Graz within the Europa League, already secured within the information of their development from the group, albeit positioned second under Atalanta BC.
It’s Sturm Graz with all the pieces at stake as they battle Rakow Czestochowa for a spot within the Europa Convention League.
Match Preview
The Primeira Liga leaders have little incentive on this sport regardless of trailing Atalanta by three factors. Sporting’s defeat to Atalanta in Lisbon means they’ll’t overtake them because of the head-to-head file.
For Sturm, regardless of securing their place within the knockout phases with a defeat at dwelling towards Rakow, they need to undergo the preliminary spherical.
Sporting had possibilities of their final match towards Atalanta, however have been unfortunate to solely safe a draw. Nonetheless, with their give attention to the upcoming fixture towards Porto, they could rotate their squad.
In a fierce battle on the prime of the Portuguese league, Sporting suffered a 3-2 defeat to Vitoria Guimaraes, making the highest 4 separated by simply two factors.
Sturm will search inspiration from LASK Linz’s shock 4-1 victory in 2020. Nonetheless, Sporting gained confidence from their matchday one win over Sturm, their first victory on Austrian soil.
Sturm, with one thing at stake, have struggled away in Europe with simply two wins of their final 15 away video games. A shock 1-0 defeat at dwelling to Rakow difficult their race for third place.
This being Sturm’s final match till February, they goal to complete on a excessive earlier than the winter break.
Workforce Information
Sporting would possibly closely rotate given the upcoming necessary fixtures. Key gamers like Goncalves and Gyokeres is likely to be rested, probably permitting ‘B’ facet gamers an opportunity.
Accidents have affected Sporting with Fresneda and St Juste sidelined. Braganca can also be out with a thigh harm.
Sturm, realizing the importance of this sport, will area their strongest lineup. Nonetheless, Wuthrich’s knee harm leaves a spot in protection.
Potential Lineups
Sporting Lisbon: (3-4-3)
Israel;
Eduardo Quaresma, Luis Neto, Matheus Reis;
Ricardo Esgaio, Essugo, Hjulmand, Nuno Santos;
Geny Catamo, Paulinho, Trincao
Sturm Graz: (4-4-2)
Scherpen;
Gazibegovic, Affengruber, Lavalee, Schnegg;
Prass, Gorenc-Stankovic, Kiteishvili, Horvat;
Sarkaria, Jatta
Prediction: Sporting Lisbon 0-1 Sturm Graz
With Sporting more likely to area a weakened facet, Sturm might seize the chance. Sturm Graz, pushed to increase their European season, would possibly exploit a probably rotated Sporting facet who is likely to be targeted on their upcoming conflict with Porto.