When he accepted the job, Frank Vercauteren knew that every game would be a decisive test to his team’s abilities. Losing at Setúbal did not help and now, he faces a must-win challenge in the Europa League.
Facing his older team, Genk, could turn out to be a positive thing for Vercauteren. The manager knows exactly what to expect from the opponents. The same cannot be said of his players who are struggling under big tactical problems.
As seen in their defeat against Vitória de Setúbal’s last Sunday, Sporting Lisbon’s defensive line is shaky. At the other end, Van Wolfswinkel’s poor goal scoring form has thrown fans into frustration. However, there is no real option to replace the misfiring Dutch.
Vercauteren is expecting to have his major weapons available – Izmailov, Schaars and Rinaudo. The latter’s task will be to tighten Sporting’s midfield, while the other two will need to create goal opportunities. Labyad did not live up to expectations last Sunday and will probably start on the bench, giving Capel a new chance to make the starting eleven.
Belgian side, KRC Genk, will miss De Ceulaer and Barda, both out by injury. This will put pressure on Jelle Vossen to find the back of the net. Victory could assure Genk a place in the next phase.
They will be playing their fourth match on Portuguese soil. Their record reads one win and two defeats. Despite the fact that Genk’s only victory in Portugal occured in a pre-season match against FC Porto in 2007/08, the Belgians are confident they can triumph. After all, they beat Sporting 2-1 at home on Matchday 3.
