While the focus of this group G match day is on the Chelsea-Schalke matchup, this “second tier” affair between Sporting Lisbon and NK Maribor in Portugal has the potential the be the far more intriguing of the two. Lisbon have been disappointing in group play by and large, but they just shocked Schalke earlier this month to get their first win, and the squad as a whole have been rounding in to impressive form.
Sporting Lisbon vs. NK Maribor, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview
Sporting Lisbon are trying to overcome the odds and qualify for the knockout rounds out of their Champions League group, but they have to avoid being upset themselves by Maribor to pull it off.
Maribor, meanwhile, have been playing spoiler throughout this group stage, earning three hard-fought draws with performances that have earned them significant respect from fans around Europe. While Sporting would seem to have a marked advantage in both talent and playing this match at home, the defending Slovenian champions have lost only two of their last eight European matches and will look to play spoilers once more. While Maribor have little chance of qualifying for the knockout stages themselves, a win or draw today for the road side could all but end Sporting’s chance of knocking Schalke out of second place and grabbing a surprise second place finish.
Key player - Nani (Sporting Lisbon)
While Sporting have a number of quality attacking threats, such as Fredy Montero and Islam Slimani, it’s Nani and his pace from the wing that creates the biggest danger for Maribor. The Slovenian side has no one that can match the Portuguese international’s speed, and if they can’t figure out a way to contain him or force him to stay on the edges instead of cutting inside, it’s going to be a long and painful day for Maribor’s back line.
Even if Nani himself doesn’t score, the attention he’ll draw will create space and opportunities for Montero and Slimani and other Sporting players. If he can help crack Maribor’s defense open early and knock them off balance, this match has the potential to turn in to a slaughter, especially with the recently improved form of Sporting’s strikers.
Key Matchup - William Carvalho vs. Željko Filipović
Maribor have been sneaking a number of quality results during this Champions League run, and a lot of that has been thanks to quality work in midfield. Filipović has been the driving force of that, as he’s been all over the place, making a massive nuisance of himself when his opponents are in possession and running top-notch counter attacks when Maribor win the ball back. It’s going to be up to Carvalho to keep Filipović in check, and if he can manage the job, Sporting’s task will be made all the easier in this match.
Sporting Lisbon injuries and suspensions
Out: Heldon (unspecified)
NK Maribor injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Mitja Viler (unspecified), Agim Ibraimi (unspecified)
In a rarity for this time of the season, neither team has any major injuries in advance of this match. While Maribor did have several players out for recent matches, they had a full and healthy squad for their league match last weekend. Heldon is a backup for Sporting and was unlikely to play.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
TV: TVI (Portugal), Planet TV (Slovenia)
Online: Fox Soccer 2GO (U.S.)
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