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Kick off: Thursday, 10 December 2015 @20:05 GMT
Venue: Estadio Jose Alvalade (Lisbon)
Head to head record
Besiktas vs Sporting 1-1 (2015/16 Europa League)
Sporting Lisbon vs Besiktas prediction
Everything is still open in Group H with three different teams vying for their place in the knock out stage of the UEFA Europa League. Definitely one of the most exciting matches of the final group stage round will offer a lot of answers on Thursday night.
Roaring Lions
The Portuguese giants have been in superb form this season, losing only two of their last 15 games in all competitions. Unfortunately for the Lions, those three games were all successive Europa League losses to Lokomotiv Moscow and Skenderbeu respectively, putting them at the third spot in Group H with seven points to the name. However, Lokomotiv and Besiktas are only one and two points away, so there is plenty at stake on Thursday night. The hosts will of course rely on the home ground advantage for their crucial game against the Turkish opposition. The Lions will be buoyed by their weekend win over Maritimo which saw them climb back to the leading spot in the Primeira Liga ahead of great rivals Porto, and Jorge Jesus’ side will be motivated to keep on the good results. Fredy Montero will be the one to watch in the home side, as the Colombian has so far scored three Europa League goals. The 28-year-old forward has been particularly productive in Europe and will be keen on helping his team book their ticket to the next round of the competition.
Jorge Jesus will be without Paulista, Mane and Jefferson, who are all injured for the affair. Gutierrez is doubtful and will be given a late fitness test ahead of the game.
Brave Besiktas
It has been a great season for Besiktas so far. Black Eagles are enjoying a fantastic time domestically and in Europe, topping the Super Lig standings and Europa League group H as well. With two wins, three draws and no defeats thus far, Besiktas have amassed nine points and will travel to Portugal eager to keep their current place and go on into the next phase of the competition. Fearless in their ambition despite the fact that there are three teams fighting for the two places in the knock out stage, Besiktas are taking on Sporting relying on Mario Gomez who has scored 11 goals in 18 appearances this term. Back to his best, the experienced German forward has been leading the team forward and will be the main force in the upcoming game as well. Senol Gunes has a deep squad at his disposal and will be looking to make the most out of his team’s attacking potential. With Quaresma, Olcay Sahan, Jose Sosa and Kerim Frei all raring to go, the visitors have nothing to be afraid at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Manager Senol Gunes does not have many of injury woes. Gulum is the only player that has been confirmed to miss the game, while there is a certain doubt over the fitness of Gokhan Tore, who could miss the Thursday showdown.
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Sporting Lisbon vs Besiktas betting tip
I expect to see a close-knit contest on Thursday night in Lisbon. Both sides have everything to fight for and I expect a cautious approach in the opening stages of the game. With not much to separate the two sides, I don’t expect to see many goals in this match.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals
Odds: 1.86 (17/20) @888sport
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Daily Specials
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