Sporting CP vs Aberdeen
24 September 1800hrs
Football – Europe – Europa League
Pick Under 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Betfair
Odds: 23/20 odds taken 2000 GMT, Wednesday 23 September
It could barely be a more difficult fixture for Aberdeen as they look to go within a game of the group stages, having to travel to Lisbon and take on Sporting.
Table of Contents
Sporting CP Preview – Will Sporting be ready to see off Aberdeen and avoid any potential upset?
It’s not been a straightforward preparation for Sporting to the say the least. The club have reported nine players – and their new head coach – will not be available for this game due to returning positives tests. It was the reason that their opening league game of the season was postponed at the weekend but they are required to field a team to fulfil this fixture under UEFA regulations.
Aberdeen Preview – Can Dons continue their strong start in European competition and record a famous victory?
Derek McInnes has already made it known that his team still face a formidable task on Thursday. Despite the opposition’s problems Aberdeen are going to have to turn in their best European performance for years. To date it’s been a very positive campaign having seen of NSi of the Faroes Islands without breaking sweat and then an impressive performance and result when dispatching Norwegians, Viking in the previous round.
The Dons have scored eight goals without conceding and that will build confidence as they approach this massive task. The manager and players are well aware that this is a significant step-up in quality.
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Aberdeen will have to do without Scott McKenna who completed his move to Nottingham Forest this week. The Scottish international has been a mainstay of the Don’s defence in recent years.
McInnes’ men are also coming off the back of a first defeat in seven games when losing to Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday. The lost itself was a surprise considering their form but losing three goals without reply would have been extremely disappointing.
Sporting CP vs Aberdeen Betting Advice
Clearly this is a very difficult game to weigh up due to the players that are missing for Sporting – and being unable to determine who they are. The home team are still the overwhelming favourites but are at another disadvantage due to this being their first competitive game of the season and Aberdeen have played eight matches already.
Key Facts – Sporting CP vs Aberdeen Betting Tip
- This will be Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge of Sporting having been appointed last month but he will be absent from the fixture
- Aberdeen have already defeated NSi of the Faroes Island and Viking from Norway – scoring eight goals
- The winner of this tie will likely be at home to LASK in the playoff round
As it is their first game of the season and they will be missing key players, it could be a slow start for Sporting. Aberdeen are usually well organised defensively and have kept five clean sheets so under 2.5 goals is the selection.