Sporting Lisbon vs Club Brugge: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
Sporting Lisbon will host Club Brugge at Estadio José Alvalade on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their perfect home record in the UEFA Champions League this season. This matchup follows a previous encounter where Brugge secured a 2-1 victory in Belgium, which marks the only time these teams have faced each other in this competition.
Match Preview
Sporting Lisbon has recently struggled in their away fixtures, losing 1-0 against Napoli. They did manage a 1-1 draw against Juventus on matchday four, thanks to a strong performance from goalkeeper Rui Silva. Currently sitting 13th in the league phase with seven points from four games, Sporting hopes to improve their standing with a home victory.
The team enjoys a solid track record at home, having won both their matches at Alvalade in the ongoing Champions League season. They opened with a 4-1 victory over Kairat Almaty and followed it up with a 2-1 win against Marseille. With six wins in their last seven home games (one draw), Sporting appears poised to secure their third consecutive home victory in the Champions League, a feat they have never achieved before.
Club Brugge’s Recent Performance
In contrast, Club Brugge ended a two-match winless streak by defeating Charleroi 1-0 over the weekend. Despite this victory, they remain four points behind the leaders of the Belgian Pro League. Brugge’s only Champions League win this season came during their opening match against Monaco, where they won 4-1. Currently, they sit 22nd with just four points, making this upcoming match essential for their playoff hopes.
- Brugge has lost both their away matches this season, against Atalanta (2-1) and Bayern Munich (4-0).
- The team has a poor record against Portuguese clubs, suffering defeats in five of seven past encounters.
Team News
Sporting Lisbon will be without winger Pedro Goncalves due to injury, leading to Geny Catamo likely starting on the left flank. Teenage talent Geovany Quenda might play on the right, potentially becoming the youngest Portuguese player to reach 15 Champions League appearances. Luis Suarez is expected to start at center forward after alternating with Fotis Ioannidis.
Injuries also concern Club Brugge, as they miss several key players, including Ludovit Reis and Simon Mignolet, who is out with an adductor tear. Nordin Jackers will most likely continue in goal. Meanwhile, Hans Vanaken is in good form, having scored in his last three matches for club and country.
Possible Starting Lineups
| Sporting Lisbon | Club Brugge |
|---|---|
| Silva | Jackers |
| Araujo, Inacio, Diomande, Vagiannidis | Seys, Mechele, Ordonez, Siquet |
| Simoes, Hjulmand | Onyedika, Stankovic |
| Catamo, Trincao, Quenda | Diakhon, Vanaken, Forbs |
| Suarez | Tresoldi |
Prediction
The matchup is expected to be competitive, given Sporting’s impressive attacking record and Brugge’s ability to score in recent matches. However, with Sporting’s strong home performance and Brugge’s struggles in away games, the prediction leans towards a Sporting Lisbon victory, with a final score of 2-1.
