Sporting Lisbon Vs. Lille Preview

Posted Wednesday, December 01, 2010 by Sportschatplace.com

Matchday 5 of the Europa League gets underway and most of these groups are still open, this match comes from Group C where Sporting tops with 9 points but there is a three way battle for the second qualifying spot.

Lille are coming into this match on a 5 match unbeaten streak and a 1-1 draw to Bordeaux coming at the weekend.

This team sits in 2nd place in the Ligue 1 standings but is tied for first on points with Marseille.

Coach Rudi Garcia have a very talented team with players that are quickly becoming world renowned, players like Gervinho, Eden Hazard, Moussa Sow and Adil Rami are making a major impact on both the French league and are either emerging or have emerged for their respective countries.

Lille will really want to win this match, especially due to he fact that their group rivals playing each other and are set to drop points.

As for Sporting, they are flying in the Europa League and are currently sitting in 4th place in the Portuguese First Division. Coach Paulo Sérgio will rely on Forwards Liedson and Yannick Djaló to produce in the Europa League, both have only played in one game so far in the group stages but will need to show up if Sporting are to go far in this competition.

Another player to watch is Maniche, the veteran midfielder plays a key role on this team and will more then likely be responsible for getting the ball to the forwards in dangerous positions.

The Portuguese outfit only needs a draw to clinch qualification, and with this game being at home they should feel comfortable and confident in completing that task.

Kamal’s Prediction: I’m siding with Sporting on this one, they are at home and also are able to press for a win knowing that a draw is enough to qualify. Even with that being the case this should be an entertaining match, especially with the way both of these teams like to attack.