Ruben Amorim is set to bid farewell to Sporting Lisbon in spectacular fashion, facing off against Manchester City in a high-stakes Champions League clash.
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This showdown, taking place at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, holds particular intrigue as Amorim will soon assume his new role as Manchester United manager after the international break. His move to Old Trafford comes after United’s worst-ever Premier League start, positioning him as a pivotal figure to turn their fortunes around.
In a twist of fate, Amorim’s final game with Sporting pits him against a Manchester City team that has shown rare vulnerability. City, under Pep Guardiola, have endured back-to-back defeats: a 2-1 Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham followed by a 2-1 league setback at Bournemouth, ending a remarkable 32-game unbeaten run. The last time City lost three consecutive games was back in April 2018, making this clash a critical moment for the Premier League champions.
While City’s Champions League form remains strong with a 26-game unbeaten streak, excluding penalty shoot-outs, Sporting Lisbon presents a formidable challenge. The Portuguese side has regained dominance in the Primeira Liga, sitting at the top after an unbroken string of 10 victories, highlighted by a resounding 5-1 win over Estrela.
In Europe, Sporting’s campaign has included a solid 2-0 victory over Lille, a 1-1 draw at PSV Eindhoven, and a recent 2-0 win against Sturm Graz. With both teams tied at seven points, the stakes are high for a decisive result.
City’s current squad struggles with key absences. Defensive anchors John Stones and Ruben Diaz are sidelined, although Kevin De Bruyne and young talent Savinho were rested during their recent defeat to Bournemouth and could return to action. Phil Foden, who scored in City’s last European match against Sparta Prague, remains a vital offensive threat.
Meanwhile, Sporting’s dynamic striker Viktor Gyokeres is primed to make an impact. He’s rated at 6/1 to score first and 41/20 to score anytime, showcasing his current form as a significant factor. For City, Foden is a strong contender to respond, with odds at 5/2 to find the back of the net.
The encounter is set to be a tactical and emotional duel, with Amorim seeking to end his Sporting tenure on a high note and City desperate to halt their unexpected slide. A 2-2 draw is marked at 14/1 with bookmakers, pointing to the potential for a thrilling, evenly matched contest.
In other Champions League action, Liverpool, fresh from reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League, will face Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield. The Reds, buoyed by a fortunate 2-1 win over Brighton, are backed at 3/4 for victory, with Cody Gakpo listed at 15/2 to score first.
Elsewhere in the Football League, Sheffield United, Oxford, Watford, and Stockport form a compelling accumulator bet for Tuesday’s fixtures.
The stage is set for Amorim’s dramatic parting act, with eyes fixed on whether Manchester City can bounce back or if Sporting Lisbon will deliver an unforgettable send-off for their departing coach.