Sporting Lisbon faces Sturm Graz in the Europa League, already secured in the knowledge of their progression from the group, albeit placed second below Atalanta BC.
It’s Sturm Graz with everything at stake as they battle Rakow Czestochowa for a spot in the Europa Conference League.
Match Preview
The Primeira Liga leaders have little incentive in this game despite trailing Atalanta by three points. Sporting’s defeat to Atalanta in Lisbon means they can’t overtake them due to the head-to-head record.
For Sturm, despite securing their place in the knockout stages with a defeat at home against Rakow, they must go through the preliminary round.
Sporting had chances in their last match against Atalanta, but were unlucky to only secure a draw. However, with their focus on the upcoming fixture against Porto, they might rotate their squad.
In a fierce battle at the top of the Portuguese league, Sporting suffered a 3-2 defeat to Vitoria Guimaraes, making the top four separated by just two points.
Sturm will seek inspiration from LASK Linz’s shock 4-1 victory in 2020. However, Sporting gained confidence from their matchday one win over Sturm, their first victory on Austrian soil.
Sturm, with something at stake, have struggled away in Europe with just two wins in their last 15 away games. A surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Rakow complicated their race for third place.
This being Sturm’s last match until February, they aim to finish on a high before the winter break.
Team News
Sporting might heavily rotate given the upcoming important fixtures. Key players like Goncalves and Gyokeres might be rested, possibly allowing ‘B’ side players a chance.
Injuries have affected Sporting with Fresneda and St Juste sidelined. Braganca is also out with a thigh injury.
Sturm, knowing the significance of this game, will field their strongest lineup. However, Wuthrich’s knee injury leaves a gap in defense.
Possible 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 likely to field a weakened side, Sturm could seize the opportunity. Sturm Graz, driven to extend their European season, might exploit a potentially rotated Sporting side who might be focused on their upcoming clash with Porto.