SPORTING VS ATL.MADRID PREVIEW & PREDICTION
With a two-goal advantage after the home match, Atletico Madrid heads to Lisbon to secure their qualifying in the Europa League semifinals.
Sa 20:05 Sporting Lisbon – Atletico Madrid
Without the main tip of the attack, Sporting must recapture a two-goal difference in this double hand. Even if the Portuguese will play in front of their fans, this challenge could be over their own. Even though Atletico’s defensive move was not as effective as Wanda Metropolitano, the Madrians have an attack that can solve the problem of qualification. The fact that Sporting did not score in the capital of Spain is something that can prove decisive. A goal scored by the Spanish team would force the host team to score four times to pass the semi-finals.
Sporting does not go through the best time, failing to win three of the last five matches in all competitions. On the other hand, Atletico is unbeaten in six of the last seven games played, including a match on Real Madrid’s pitch last weekend.
This will be the fourth confrontation between the two clubs. Besides the victory in the tour, there were two draws in matches in the finals of the Europa League finals in the 2009/2010 season. The Spaniards then went ahead because of the goals scored in the away game.
Bas Dost and Fabio Coentrao are suspended for the home team. Although he has not played in the last month, Bruno Cesar may be titularized to the left, instead of his colleague suspended. William Carvalho is still uncertain for Thursday night’s play.
Diego Simeone also faces several batch problems. Jose Gimenez and Sime Vrsaljko are uncertain, while Filipe Luis will definitely miss this game.
Sporting Lisbon (4-2-3-1)
Patricio – Cesar, Mathieu, Coates, Piccini – Battaglia, Wendel – Ruiz, Fernandes, Martins – Montero
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)
Cloud – Hernandez, Godin, Savic, Juanfran – Koke, Niguez, Gabi, Correa – Griezmann, Costa
Without Bas Dost, having recovered a two-goal gap and without allowing himself to score a goal in this game, Sporting has a colossal mission in front. Atletico is the team in form and has on his side the experience of big matches. Guests should ensure their qualification without too much emotion.
PREDICTION: Atl. Madrid to win @ 1.82
