Sporting Lisbon prepares for a high-stakes Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday night, as the visitors seek to avoid a rare third consecutive defeat, a feat not seen since their 2017-18 campaign.
Also Read: Benjamin Mendy Wins Legal Fight Against Man City for Unpaid Wages After Acquittal
Meanwhile, Sporting approaches the fixture amid significant off-field changes as manager Ruben Amorim readies for his Manchester United move.
Match Preview Manchester City fans arrived at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday with optimism after Arsenal’s stumble against Newcastle United, which presented a chance for City to widen their Premier League lead. However, Pep Guardiola’s squad endured an unexpected 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, where Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson netted for the hosts, and Josko Gvardiol’s late goal was mere consolation.
Adding salt to their wounds, Liverpool’s comeback win over Brighton meant City dropped to second place, two points behind the Merseyside leaders. This loss also snapped an impressive 32-match unbeaten run in England’s top tier.
This setback followed their EFL Cup exit to Tottenham, casting a shadow over the reigning Champions League holders despite their strong European start this season. City began their continental campaign with a goalless draw against Inter Milan before crushing Slovan Bratislava 4-0 and Sparta Prague 5-0, maintaining a record 26-match unbeaten streak in regulation time or extra-time in Champions League play.
In contrast, Sporting Lisbon is riding a wave of positive results and looks to pounce on City’s recent vulnerabilities. Under Ruben Amorim’s guidance, Sporting recently thrashed Estrela Amadora 5-1, making it 10 wins from 10 matches in the 2024-25 Primeira Liga season, sitting comfortably at the summit. Their European form mirrors City’s, with seven points from victories over Lille and Sturm Graz and a 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven. Currently ranked eighth in the 36-team Champions League standings, Sporting is only behind City due to goal difference.
Amorim, who will soon assume his new role at Manchester United following Erik ten Hag’s departure, has managed to keep his squad focused amid rumors of discontent among key players. A victory over City could be the perfect parting gift for both the club and the Red Devils’ faithful.
This fixture marks a reunion of sorts following the teams’ 2021-22 Champions League last-16 encounter, where City trounced Sporting 5-0 in Lisbon before a scoreless second leg at the Etihad.
Team News and Lineups Pep Guardiola’s squad faces a spate of injuries. While Kevin De Bruyne, Savinho, Kyle Walker, and Jeremy Doku were all part of the recent matchday squad, none are fully fit. Ruben Dias and John Stones are out for an extended period with unspecified injuries, joining Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb (leg), and Jack Grealish on the sidelines.
De Bruyne and Savinho remained benched during the Bournemouth match, while Walker may make way for Rico Lewis after struggling over the weekend. Expect Guardiola to consider these rotations to refresh his lineup.
Sporting Lisbon’s squad is relatively healthier, missing only Eduardo Quaresma (muscle) and long-term absentee Nuno Santos (knee). The spotlight will be on Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres, who has already netted 20 goals in 17 appearances this season and contributed four goals in their latest 5-1 win. The 26-year-old striker has scored in all four of his home European starts this term and is reportedly on City’s radar should Erling Haaland seek a move.
Predicted Lineups Sporting Lisbon: Israel; Inacio, Diomande, Debast; Quenda, Braganca, Hjulmand, Araujo; Trincao, Gyokeres, Goncalves.
Manchester City: Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic, Gundogan; Doku, Haaland, Nunes.
Outlook and Prediction This highly anticipated clash between two elite clubs, both boasting prolific Scandinavian forwards in Gyokeres and Haaland, is set to deliver on expectations. Sporting’s unbeaten domestic record hints at a formidable challenge, but City’s resilience often shines in adversity. A hard-fought draw could be on the cards, ensuring drama until the final whistle.
