Sporting Lisbon v Manchester City Europa League Round of 16 Preview.
Having comfortably dealt with Porto in the Round of 32 in the Europa League, Manchester City should be confident returning to Portugal for the Round of 16 clash with Sporting Lisbon. City won both legs of the Porto tie and were comfortable in doing so. Considering that Porto has been a better side than Sporting over the past couple of seasons this should be an easy victory for City, right? If only it were that simple.
Sporting Lisbon are the third of Portugal’s “Big 3.” Porto is characterised as being the most successful team in Europe. Bitter neighbours Benfica (less than a mile away) is the most successful domestic club. Sporting win the titles in the years that the other two don't- 16 in all. Despite this, Sporting is probably the most successful club in that it’s won Olympic Gold medals, world championships and many other honours. Formed in 1906, Sporting Clube de Portugal was set up to promote and participate in a wide variety of pursuits. From cricket, fencing, cycling, gymnastics, even tug-of-war, Sporting has been a breeding ground of excellence for Portugese athletes.
Sporting or "The Lions" is responsible for developing such players as Luis Figo, Nani and Christiano Ronaldo. Despite having one of the strongest youth academies in the world, retaining players has been an issue and other clubs of Portugal and Europe have been more likely to bear the fruit of Sporting’s labours.
Keeper Rui Patricio - Should the rags have bought him instead?
What of the current crop? The squad is a typical blend of local and Spanish talent scattered with South American prospects looking to make the step to establish a European career. The pick of the players are goalkeeper Rui Patricio, defender and captain Daniel Carrico, midfielder Matias Fernandez and striker Ricky Van Wolfswinkel. Sporting is also the current home of former City player Valeri Bojinov. Unfortunately, injuries have followed him to Portugal and he’s had a limited impact. The Lions are currently 4th in the Portugese league and languish well off the pace of the leaders. This is despite a respectable 11 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses. Porto has just overtaken Benfica as league leaders and has lost just the one match, such is the lack of depth in the league.
Manager Ricardo Sa Pinto
Sporting will look to maintain possession and rely on individual skill to create chances. The team builds its attack from a strong defensive base. Don’t be surprised to see Sporting begin the game with a 5-3-2 formation. Perhaps a rumoured injury to Van Wolfwinkel could force manager Ricardo Sa Pinta to play just one up front and drop a player to the midfield. No player has more than one assist in the league this season so expect a lot of simulation and playing for free kicks. Carrico has a mean free kick and could be a potent weapon in this tie.
Manchester City go into this game chock a block full of confidence. Recent performances have been dominant, with the side looking to regain the swagger that captured Europe’s attention at the beginning of the season. Manager Roberto Mancini has had his management skills fully tested and has come through the winter with his reputation enhanced. City has the Europa League and Premiership all to play for, and with no long term injuries to the squad, can throw all resources at adding silverware.
Pablo Zabaleta (injury) and Yaya Toure (suspension) are the only confirmed non starters for this match, with Micah Richards likely to be rested until the weekend. This could mean a second consecutive appearance at right back for Kolo Toure. The rest of the team make up is a matter of rotation as Mancini decides which combination he prefers for each match. With a tricky weekend match at Swansea looming it remains to be seen how the playing stocks are distributed.
Quotes
Sa Pinta:
“At this level, being the favourite doesn’t mean much. All I am thinking about is what my team wants to do and what they are going to do tomorrow. Obviously I know a lot about Manchester City, both collectively and individually. It is a strong team and is in first in the Premier League and they have scored the most goals and conceded the least. They have decent players in just about every position, but this is Sporting and we aren’t scared of anyone. That is how we are going to approach this game. We also have international players and I fully believe in my team.”
Mancini:
“Yaya is a very important player for us, but we also have another 20 good players and it is important that we give a good performance without him against Sporting. I came here five years ago with Inter Milan in the Champions League and we lost, so I know how hard coming to places like this can be.”
Odds. Sporting 4.50 Draw 3.40 City 1.77 The odds for a City victory are quite reasonable considering that they won last time in Portugal. However, there is excellent value of 2.65 for City leading at half time and full time considering the blistering start against Bolton. If this can be replicated the tie could be over before a ball is kicked in the second leg.
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