Sporting Lisbon – Return to home turf with several injuries
Sporting Lisbon is currently facing a rather challenging period. Although they achieved great results at the beginning of the group stage of the Champions League, with four matches unbeaten, they have failed to win any of their last four matches, leaving them with much less confidence and a position they don’t want. However, they still have plenty of quality, especially at home. Sporting has been unstoppable on their home ground, remaining unbeaten in their last seven matches, with their only draw being against Bologna.
Coach Rui Borges has to deal with significant issues in the squad, as many key players are injured or suspended. Morten Hjulmand is suspended due to three yellow cards, while Pedro Gonçalves (muscle injury) and Joao Simões (unspecified injury) are also sidelined. However, the most important player, Viktor Gyökeres, who has scored an incredible 34 goals in all competitions this season, will be available for the match, and Sporting will rely on his strength to break through Borussia Dortmund’s defense.
At home, Sporting must rely on their solid attacking game, which was key in qualifying for the knockout phase of the Champions League. However, the lack of key players could be problematic as Sporting will face difficulties organizing their play, which will be a challenge against a team like Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund – Defense under scrutiny, attack without limits
Borussia Dortmund is facing issues in the Bundesliga, where in the last month they have secured only three wins and suffered five losses, which represents a significant drop in form. However, in the Champions League, they showed their attacking power with 22 goals scored, which is the second-best attacking performance in the group stage, behind Barcelona.
Dortmund has problems with defensive discipline, as evidenced in their recent loss to Stuttgart (2-1), where they once again conceded goals due to weaknesses in defense. Niko Kovac’s team must solve these issues in defense if they want to avoid similar mistakes against Sporting Lisbon, who, despite their injured and suspended players, are still a very competitive team at home.
Serhou Guirassy, with nine goals in the Champions League, will be a key player for Dortmund in this match, while Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi are also in good attacking form. However, Dortmund must improve their defense if they want to achieve a good result in Portugal. Additionally, the injuries and absences of Carney Chukwuemeka and Felix Nmecha add more uncertainty to the team, but Dortmund still has enough quality to attack Sporting’s goal.
Betting suggestion
“Both teams to score” (BTTS)
Given the attacking strength of both teams and their defensive weaknesses that have often been exposed this season, betting on “both teams to score” (BTTS) is a likely option. Dortmund relies on its attacking power, while Sporting, although weakened, is still in good form at home and can create problems for Dortmund’s defense.
Betting suggestion – “Over 2.5 goals”
This match has the potential to be very dynamic and exciting, as both teams have attackers who can score goals. Dortmund has scored 22 goals in the group stage, while Sporting, despite injuries and suspensions, still has attackers like Gyökeres who can cause problems. Therefore, betting on “over 2.5 goals” could be a good option, as it is likely we will see an open match with several goals.
Betting suggestion – “Sporting Lisbon or draw”
Considering the weaknesses Dortmund shows in defense, while Sporting remains unbeaten at home, betting on “Sporting Lisbon or draw” could be a safe option. Sporting is in good form at home and can take advantage of Dortmund’s defensive frailties to secure a favorable result, even if it means just a draw.
Betting suggestion – “Dortmund to win”
Although Sporting’s home results are impressive, Dortmund has enough quality in attack to break down Sporting’s defense. If Dortmund manages to resolve their defensive issues and maintain stability, they could win in Portugal, especially considering the quality of their attacking players.
Conclusion:
This match is highly uncertain, as both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. Dortmund is strong in attack but vulnerable in defense, while Sporting can rely on their home ground but is weakened due to injuries and suspensions. However, considering all factors, betting on “both teams to score” (BTTS) and “over 2.5 goals” seems like a solid option.
