Sporting Lisbon faces Sturm Graz within the Europa League, already secured within the information of their development from the group, albeit positioned second beneath Atalanta BC.
It’s Sturm Graz with every part 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 recreation 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 report.
For Sturm, regardless of securing their place within the knockout phases with a defeat at dwelling towards Rakow, they have 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 concentrate on the upcoming fixture towards Porto, they may 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.
Group Information
Sporting may closely rotate given the upcoming necessary fixtures. Key gamers like Goncalves and Gyokeres is perhaps rested, presumably permitting ‘B’ facet gamers an opportunity.
Accidents have affected Sporting with Fresneda and St Juste sidelined. Braganca can be out with a thigh damage.
Sturm, figuring out the importance of this recreation, will subject their strongest lineup. Nonetheless, Wuthrich’s knee damage leaves a niche 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 prone to subject a weakened facet, Sturm might seize the chance. Sturm Graz, pushed to increase their European season, may exploit a probably rotated Sporting facet who is perhaps targeted on their upcoming conflict with Porto.
