On Thursday night, Sporting CP hosts Sturm Graz at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in gameweek six of Group D in the Europa League.
Sporting CP form guideA 3-2 defeat at Vitoria Guimaraes last time out ended a three-game unbeaten run for Sporting in all competitions. The game continued a run of high-scoring games for the Portuguese team, as seven of their last eight competitive games have now produced over 2.5 goals.
Sporting’s form in Group D has been inconsistent, as they have won two, drawn two and lost one of their five outings. Their results have been enough to see them book their place in the competition's knockout stages, though.
A 1-1 draw at Atalanta last time out means that Sporting are unbeaten in three games in the Europa League. Both teams have also scored in their six matches in the competition.
A 2-1 home win over Rakow Czestochowa in their last home game in the Europa League ended a five-game winless run on home soil for Sporting in the competition.
Sturm Graz form guideNot only can Sturm Graz no longer qualify for the competition's knockout stages, but they are also level on points with fourth-place Rakow Czestochowa in the fight for a place in the Europa Conference League in the new year.
The Austrian team heads into this game on a highly inconsistent run of form, although they have won three of their last five matches.
Their recent record in the Europa League is a poor one, as they have won just one of their five group games, having suffered back-to-back defeats against Atalanta and Rakow.
Sturm Graz has found winning away from home in the Europa League difficult lately, as they have won just one of their previous eight away games.
What am I backing?Neither team is in great form. However, I believe Sporting has that extra quality to see off the visitors and bounce back to winning ways.