Sporting Lisbon vs Manchester City Preview- Sporting Lisbon will be facing off against Manchester City in the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 first-leg match at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on 16th February in what promises to be a mouth-watering fixture for football lovers.
Sporting Lisbon has already exceeded expectations in their entry to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since the 2008-09 season. The side from the Portuguese Capital, under the astute management of Reuben Amorim, has played some very attractive football and finished second in their group, behind Ajax and beating Dortmund en route to this stage. The highlight of their group stage journey was the convincing 3-1 victory over a Dortmund side that contained the likes of Haaland, Reus, and Bellingham.
The Latest Update For This Epic Battle
But this game will be the ultimate acid test for a team that is hoping to carry the Portuguese representation in the competition even further by making a deep run in the tournament. They will be all fired up for this occasion and will be hoping to make a statement by taking on the English giants.
Manchester City enters the tie as favourites to lift this trophy for the third straight time. Pep Guardiola’s side has so far made good on this early season predictions by topping a difficult group that also had PSG and RB Leipzig by paying some truly breath-taking football, with the highlights being their 6-3 demolition of Leipzig and a 2-1 victory against PSG.
However, Pep Guardiola will be well aware that the job is not done yet and if he has to win his first Champions League trophy since he last won it a decade ago, he will have to ensure that his side stays on their heels and not let complacency cloud their judgment against what could prove to be a potential banana-skin encounter against a tricky opponent.
Sporting Lisbon Vs Manchester City; UCL 2021/22
Date- 16th February 2022
Time- 1:30 am IST
Venue- Estadio Jose Alvalade
Form Guide
Sporting Lisbon- W-W-W-W-D
Manchester City- W-D-W-W-W
Head to Head
Sporting Lisbon wins- 1
Draws- 0
Manchester City wins- 0
Team news
Sporting Lisbon does not have a lot of problems as far as injuries are concerned. Manager Ruben Amorim has almost a full squad to pick from. The only minor concern is the fitness of star midfielder Pedro Goncalves. He has been on a roll this season, scoring 13 times and providing 9 assists across all competitions this season.
But there is hope that he will be fit and available for selection come gameday. Amorim will be expected to go with his preferred 3-4-3 formation against the defending champions of England and will be hoping that lead frontman Islam Slimani converts whatever chances that come their way.
Manchester City will be the services of record signing Jack Grealish who has not yet recovered from the shin injury that has been constantly troubling him. full-back Kyle Walker will be beginning his 3-match ban after getting sent off in the loss against Leipzig. Forward Gabriel Jesus will certainly be out after a knock sustained during international duty has not yet healed properly.
Pep does have a myriad of attacking options that will more than adequately make up for the absence of the three key men of his squad. Kevin de Bruyne will be expected to shoulder much of the creative load. He is a key player in a side brimming with talent on all areas of the pitch.
Sporting Lisbon probable starting XI
Adan; Inacio, Coates, Feddal; Porro, Nunes, Palhinia, Reis; Sarabia, Paulinho, Goncalves
Manchester City probable starting XI
Ederson; Stones, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; B Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling
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Predictions
Manchester City has been on an absolute tear this season. Their high level of performance, flair and exceptional balance in the squad has seen them roll over opponents with consummate ease and surgical precision. But they will have to be wary and on their guard against a very resolute Sporting side.
A team that comes into this tie with equally high confidence. They have a record of being one of the most measly sides across the continent in goals conceded. Pep Guardiola will also be aware of the fact that his opponents are an equally well-drilled and well-coached unit. They are under the management of arguably one of the most talented young coaches on the continent.
The Iberians will definitely fancy their chances to land some telling blows of their own. That is in a clash at their home that is definitely going to gather attention across the continent. But in the end, Man City will have a little too much and expected a hard-fought win for the Cityzens.
Score Predictions- Sporting Lisbon 1-2 Manchester City
