Sporting CP vs Juventus prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-04-19 19:00.
Sporting Lisbon lost 1-0 in their first leg of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarter-finals, where the breathing difficulties of Juventus âkeeper Wojciech SzczÄsny grabbed the headlines. This tie is far from over as the discontinuation of the away goals rule gives the hosts a chance to reach the UEL semis for only the second time ever, with coach RĂșben Amorim reassuring fans that âthe margin is so slim and we must have faithâ after the loss in Turin.
A much-changed Sporting side drew 1-1 in their league match with Arouca on Sunday, losing ground on European qualification which makes progression from this tie vital. Yet, with the Lions having failed to win at Estådio José Alvalade across their last four European home matches (D2, L2) and having lost each of the last six two-legged ties with Italian clubs, home fans may not be bullish.
Juventus also lost ground in their push for the European spots after falling 1-0 to Sassuolo on Sunday ahead of a troika of key matches in three different competitions (UEL, Serie A and Coppa Italia) that could decide where their season is heading. They should be confident after the first leg win made it four consecutive European victories with a clean sheet for the first time since the 2016/17 Champions League campaign, but coach Massimiliano Allegri identified âa few mistakesâ and some areas where âthe lads can improveâ following that leg.
The Old Lady need those improvements to stabilise their away form that has landed three losses across five competitive trips (W2) including two in a row. Four of those results have come by a single-goal margin, which means another tight game canât be ruled out.
Players to watch: Sporting manager Amorim refused to blame his âkeeper Antonio AdĂĄn for the first leg defeat but the result made it five goals conceded from two H2Hs for AdĂĄn. He could once again be tested by DuĆĄan VlahoviÄ, whose last two UEL goal involvements (G1, A1) have come in away Juve wins.
Hot stat: Juventus have scored first in nine of their last 12 away UEL games, going on to win seven.