Sporting CP vs Aberdeen Predictions and Betting Tips
The third qualifying round in the UEFA Europa League is set for Thursday as teams will do battle for a place in the playoffs. Our focus for this one is at the Estadio Jose Alvalade as Sporting Lisbon tackle Aberdeen. Which side books themselves a place in the playoffs stage at the end of 90 minutes?
This would be the first time both teams will clash in any European competition. Since the change from the UEFA Cup into UEFA Europa League in 2008, Aberdeen hasn't made it through to the group stage. Unlike their opponents, Sporting Lisbon have lots of European experience having played in both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
The Lions heading into this game with an advantage
Sporting Lisbon, having made it to the group stages of the top two European competition on numerous occasions will certainly feel they have an advantage heading into this game. However, match sharpness might be an issue for the Portuguese outfit. The Green and Whites have played only once in two months. They hosted Real Valladolid about three weeks ago in a club-friendly with the aim of warming themselves up for the new season. It's then left to see how much that will help or benefit- them as they prepare for Thursday.
McInnes keen on guiding his team to the UEL Group stage for the first time
Aberdeen, on the other hand, will be very much ready for this third qualifying round encounter. They're heading into this game in solid form taking into account their recent results. Of the 10 games played this season, the Dons have lost only twice. As a result, they currently sit in 4th place in the Scottish Premier League and are also in the fight for a place in the UEL group stage.
They came up against a stumbling block in form of Motherwell last time out. A terrible first-half performance saw them concede three goals in the opening 23 minutes. From then on, there was no coming back as they registered their first loss of the season.
Sporting CP vs Aberdeen Team News
Sporting CP possible starting XI:
Adan; Neto, Coates, Feddal; Antunes, Wendel, Nunes, Porro; Santos, Cabral, Vietto
Aberdeen possible starting XI:
Lewis; Considine, Hoban, Mckenna; Hayes, Ferguson, McCrorie, Kennedy; Watkins, Hedges, Wright.
Sporting CP vs Aberdeen Prediction: 2-0
Aberdeen face their first proper test in the qualifiers this season having faced under-par teams in previous rounds. However, we don't think they have what it takes to upset this Sporting side who will be keen on recording a win in their first game of the new season.
