Sporting vs Atalanta

Europa League

Sporting Lisbon and Atalanta BC are set to face off once again in the Europa League as the Portuguese side hosts the Serie A club in the first leg of the last-16 clash at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Wednesday.

In their previous encounters during the group stage, Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta secured four points out of six. Despite the jest from Sporting's head coach Ruben Amorim about the simplicity of scouting Atalanta, he anticipates a challenging tie. Sporting drew 1-1 in Italy but suffered a loss against Atalanta at home in October.

However, Sporting enters the knockout stage in better form than their opponents and has a strong record in recent Europa League knockout ties, having progressed from the last three.

The home team's confidence is bolstered by their impressive performances in previous round of 16 games, having never lost in their last four such matches, including two wins and two draws.

Sporting has won seven of their nine matches in all competitions, further boosting their confidence ahead of this encounter.



On the other hand, Atalanta is coming off two consecutive defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Inter Milan and a 2-1 defeat to Bologna. Gasperini's side seeks a response to their winless run, aiming to secure their fourth European victory over Sporting and extend their unbeaten streak against them to three matches.

Both teams have their key players, with Sporting relying on Viktor Gyokeres and Atalanta looking to Ademola Lookman to make an impact.

Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Israel; Diomande, Coates, Reis; Esgaio, Hjulmand, Braganca, Santos; Trincao, Gyokeres, Edwards

Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Musso; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Hateboer, Pasalic, Ederson, Bakker; Koopmeiners; De Ketelaere, Lookman