SPORTING VS PLZEN PREVIEW & PREDICTION
In the first hand of the optimal Europa League on Thursday, starting at 20:05, Sporting – Plzen will play. The hosts are trying to make their way back to the fans after defeating Porto.
Leagues appear to have left the title fight in Portugal after losing the Porto derby, 1-2. Although Leao restored equality just before the break, Brahimi scored decisively in the 49th minute when he closed the table. Just 18 years old, Rafael Leao scored for the first time in the championship. Now at eight points behind the leader, Sporting retains only theoretical chances, winning the title rather like a utopia. Thus, Jesus’ band can turn their attention to the European League, a competition in which it can reach at least the upper stages. Estadio Jose Alvalade turned out to be a hard fort to conquer in this European Cup edition. Only Barcelona managed to score here, score 0-1.
On the other hand, the guests come after their defeat on their own ground, 0-1 in the confrontation with Jihlava. It was for the second time in the four games disputed in 2018, when the offensive did not find the way to the goal. In spite of the defeat, I stayed in the championship, having nine points ahead of the main Slavia Prague follower, but also a less played match. In the previous round, Plzen eliminated Partizan after a 11 away and a 2-0 home. In the six Champions League and Europa League tours, he lost only two defeats.
Sporting (4-2-3-1): Patricio – Ristovski Coates Mathieu Coentrao – Carvalho Battaglia – Martins Fernandes Ruiz – Montero
Plzen (4-2-3-1): Hruska – Reznik Hejda Hubnik Limbersky – Horava Hrosovsky – Petrzela Kolar Kopic – Krmencik
This will be the first direct confrontation between the two bands.
PREDICTION: Sporting to win @ 1.41
