Preview: Sporting v Maribor
Monday, November 24, 2014
Article summary
Both sides admit Sporting Clube de Portugal are favourites in Lisbon on Tuesday but Marco Silva needs no introduction to the threat of surprise package NK Maribor.
Article top media content
Article body
• Marco Silva admits the pressure is on his Sporting team
• Sporting have lost just once – against Chelsea – in 18 European home matches
• Maribor have lost only once – at Chelsea – in ten European games this season
• Ante Šimundža says the first 20 minutes will be key in Lisbon
• Sporting were denied by Luka Zahovič's late equaliser on matchday one
Permutations: Sporting Clube de Portugal (4pts) v NK Maribor (3)
• Sporting will be out if they lose.
• Maribor will be out if they lose, or if they draw and 10 December visitors FC Schalke 04 win. Maribor will finish fourth if they lose and Schalke win.
Possible lineups
Sporting: Patrício; Cédric, Sarr, Paulo Oliveira, Jefferson; Adrien, João Mário, André Martins; Mané, Nani, Slimani.
• Out: Heldon (unspecified)
Maribor: Handanovič; Stojanovič, Rajčevič, Arghus, Mejač; Mertelj, Filipović, Sallalich, Bohar; Tavares, Ibraimi.
• Doubtful: Viler (unspecified)
Marco Silva, Sporting coach
The group won't be decided tomorrow. Like against Schalke, this game will be very important, though, and if we want to reach the next round only a win will do. Although we know that a win will give us UEFA Europa League football, we are not focused on that; our goal is to qualify for the last 16. We have two matches to achieve our goal.
This game demands a lot of patience as they are dangerous opponents. In ten matches in UEFA competition this season they have lost only once, in London against Chelsea. We must be fully focused for 90 minutes at this level. We don't need to hide the fact that it's a high-pressure match for us. It's the reality. We respect Maribor, but we must boss the game. It won't be easy, far from it.
Ante Šimundža, Maribor coach
The first 20 minutes will be key against opponents who are ambitious and will put pressure on us from the very start. Sporting are favourites, a big and a great club. We are braced for a real examination by them. They are at home and because of it the pressure on them will be greater. I want my team to be aggressive and competitive.
Weekend results
SC Espinho 0-5 Sporting (João Mário 8, Capel 61, Montero 68 81, Tanaka 77pen)
Maribor 4-0 FC Koper (Tavares 11, Mendy 28, Arghus 38, Biton 89)
Form guide (all competitions)
Sporting: WDWLWL
Maribor: WWWDLW
Match facts
• In which Portuguese city was Maribor's Luka Zahovič born? Find out in our extensive match background.