Although they are flying high in domestic affairs, things have not gone as planned for Sporting. The Lions are in danger of failing to reach the round of 32 after some disappointing showings in Europe and they will be desperate to turn things around tomorrow evening in Russia. Unfortunately, that country has not brought good memories for the Portuguese giants and at this juncture, it's a win-or-go-home scenario for Jorge Jesus's men.
Here's how Group H looks prior to tomorrow evening's game:
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Lokomotiv Moskva
Although they drew their last two games, Lokomotiv Moskva still sit on top of their quartet and are inching closer to a spot in the round of 32. So despite not earning a win in their last two matches, the hosts are still unbeaten and will be fancying their chances against Sporting tomorrow evening.
In their last meeting, the Russian outfit cruised to all three points as they handed Sporting a resounding 3-1 defeat at their home ground and they surely will be seeking to do the same as they welcome the current Primeira Liga leaders on Thursday. Under the guidance of Igor Cherevchenko, who won four Russian Cups, they won the very same trophy last season, which secured their spot in the Europa League. They have also fared well at home as they currently sit in third place in their domestic league.
Arguably their biggest star has been Senegalese attacker Baye Oumar Niasse. The 25-year-old has been in fine form for his team, with seven goals in the league, ten in all competitions, and has scored in three out of his team's four group stage matches this season - including in the 3-1 win over Sporting. And he's not just happy with scoring as he has provided three assists, meaning that he has been involved in all but one of his team's seven goals so far in the Europa League.
Senegalese striker Baye Oumar Niasse has been in sparkling form for his team and will hope to add more to his European tally on Thursday evening
Sporting
Jorge Jesus's side currently sit on top of the Primeira Liga as they chase their first title in over a decade. They enjoy a five point advantage over fellow title rivals Porto, and more important, a whopping eight points separate them from reigning champions Benfica.
Yet, these same excellent results unfortunately have not translated to their European campaign. They were first dumped out of the Champions League after failing to make it through their play-offs and now are fighting even for a chance to make it to the Europa League knockout stages. And unfortunately, they will be facing a team that thrashed them 3-1 in the first leg earlier this season.
To make matters worse, Sporting do not have a good record playing against Russian sides. Their overall record stands as one win, one draw, and six losses. This gets even worse when one looks at their past showings in Russia: not only have they lost twice, but they have never won a game on Russian soil. It was a Russian outfit that spoiled their Champions League dreams as they were defeated 4-3 on aggregate by CSKA Moskva during a two-legged play-off and they again will have to deal with another team from Russia's capital if they want to have a fighting chance to make it into the round of 32.
Sporting will need to avoid a loss in Russia if they want to keep their round of 32 aspirations alive
Should they be unable to break their string of bad luck in Russia, they will find themselves out of the competition assuming Beşiktaş beat KF Skënderbeu. The pressure on them is indeed quite immense, especially given that Sporting are without a win (five draws and 12 losses) in their last 17 away continental matches. The last time they won was back in September 2011, when they defeated Swiss side FC Zurich 2-0.
However, in their last five Europa League/UEFA Cup group stages, they have only failed to get to the round of 32 once, which happened during the 2012/2013 season.
To complicate matters, Jorge Jesus will have to deal with a host of injuries and suspensions. Rui Patrício will miss out due to a ban, whilst William Carvalho, Jefferson, Teófilo Gutiérrez, Carlos Mané, and Bruno Paulista are all suffering from injuries ranging from ankle to foot to thigh problems. Given the importance of this match, the Portuguese tactician will face some tough choices as to field some of his players who may not be 100 per cent fit.
Which channel is broadcasting Lokomotiv Moskva vs Sporting CP on TV or Online?
There are plenty of options for Primeira Liga fans to catch Sporting Lisbon try to turn things around against Lokomotiv Moskva. Here are some choices to view it either on TV or on your phone, computer, or tablet if you reside in the following countries:
- In the USA at 13.00 EST on: ESPN3 USA, Fox Soccer 2GO USA
- In Portugal at 18.00 WET on: SIC
- In the UK at 18.00 GMT on: BT Sport Live Streaming
If you're based outside any of these countries, no need to fret. LiveSoccerTV.com has you covered. Simply visit our special Lokomotiv Moskva vs Sporting CP broadcast page for viewing options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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