Sporting CP Look to Extend Unbeaten Run Against Atalanta in Europa League Clash

Publishers Date: 6 ' March ' 2024

Sporting CP and Atalanta face off in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie on Wednesday, with both teams aiming to reignite their European ambitions. Sporting CP come into the match in a rich vein of form, boasting a nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.

They currently sit atop the Liga Portugal table and are determined to continue their dominance on the domestic front. Meanwhile, Atalanta are looking to arrest a slight slump in form that has seen them winless in their last three Serie A outings.

Sporting CP Aiming to Build on Home Advantage

Manager Ruben Amorim is expected to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 formation, with Franco Israel manning the goal. The back three will likely consist of the experienced Sebastian Coates flanked by Pedro Porro and Matheus Reis. In midfield, the energetic pairing of Mario Hjulmand and Wataru Morita is likely to provide a solid foundation, while Genny Catamo and Nuno Santos offer width on the flanks.

The attacking trio of Sporting CP is where things get interesting. Pedro Gonçalves, who goes by the nickname Pote, is a shoo-in for one of the positions.

The 24-year-old is Sporting CP's top scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions and will be a constant threat to the Atalanta defense. Alongside him, the creativity of Francisco Trincao and the physical presence of Viktor Gyokeres are likely to be deployed.

 Trincao, on loan from Barcelona, provides pace and trickery on the wing, while Gyokeres offers a focal point in attack and can hold the ball up effectively.

Atalanta Seeking Away Goal to Take Back to Bergamo

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is known for his attacking brand of football, and he is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Juan Musso will be in goal, shielded by a back three of Giorgio Scalvini, Berat Djimsiti, and Sead Kolasinac.

The wing-backs are likely to be Emil Holm, returning from a slight knock, and Matteo Ruggeri. Teun Koopmeiners is expected to play in a more advanced midfield role alongside one of Ademola Lookman or Aleksei Miranchuk. Up front, Gianluca Scamacca is likely to get the nod over Charles De Ketelaere, offering a more physical presence against Sporting CP's three-man defense.

Key Matchup: Pote vs. Scalvini

The battle between Sporting CP's Pedro Gonçalves and Atalanta's young defender Giorgio Scalvini will be a key matchup to watch. Pote's dribbling ability and knack for finding pockets of space could expose any weaknesses in Scalvini's game. The 19-year-old defender has impressed this season with his composure and reading of the game, but he will face a stern test against Sporting CP's talismanic forward.

Prediction

Sporting CP's home advantage and current form make them slight favorites for this first leg. However, Atalanta's attacking prowess and European experience should not be underestimated. A close encounter is on the cards, with a 1-0 win for Sporting CP a possible outcome.

This Europa League clash promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with contrasting styles. Sporting CP will look to build on their momentum and take control of the tie at home, while Atalanta will be determined to snatch an away goal to take back to Bergamo for the second leg.