Everton vs Sporting CP Lisbon Match Preview
Everton are playing well as of late according to their coach David Moyes and have high expectations going in to this match. The 2-1 win versus Chelsea in last Wednesday’s Premier League match has raised Everton’s confidence and they will rely on their present form and their faithful fans to get the insurance they’ll need in the return match. Louis Saha scored both Blues goals and American loan Landon Donovan added pace and was so impressive that captain Neville would like him to stay beyond the 2-month signing. Spaniard Mikel Arteta will likely play versus Sporting, after a year-long injury only saw him return recently. Swiss international Philippe Senderos, however, is doubtful due to a back injury. Everton qualified for this round after finishing the group stage second behind Portuguese Benfica. Everton played Lisbon’s Eagles in the group stage twice and lost both games. Everton expect Sporting to be as technical and seasoned as Benfica, but Sporting appear to be struggling right now while Everton are ready to pounce on any weaknesses. Watch Everton vs Sporting Live
Sporting Lisbon topped a group that also included Hertha Berlin in the previous round, but they have much to prove in a season where they are in fourth place and virtually out of contention domestically. Sporting won the UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup in 1964 and were the runners-up in the UEFA Cup in 2005, when they conceded to CSKA in Sporting’s own José Alvalade Stadium. The club that nursed Paolo Futre, Luis Figo, and Cristiano Ronaldo, among others, seems removed from the spotlight these days and will look to recapture the headlines. They arrive at this game after being ousted by Benfica in the League Cup semifinal and having earned only 1 point in the last 3 matches. But despite their many troubles this season, including the arrival of a new president, a change of coach, and failed signings, this side is not to be taken lightly. They have in their squad star players such as Moutinho, Liedson and Veloso that will want to maintain their reputation, and new signing Sinama-Pongolle will play to match his worth.
