Rakow vs Sporting CP Prediction & Tips
After winning the Polish Ekstraklasa for the first time in the club’s history last season, Raków Czestochowa’s reward was their first appearance in the group stage of a European competition, although so far it has not gone according to plan. They lost their first two UEFA Europa League (UEL) matches, while they remain one of four clubs yet to score so far in the competition.
The home side are likely to have a tough game again when they host Sporting Lisbon, one of the biggest teams they have ever faced in official matches. They will be hoping to cause a major upset in their first match against Portuguese opposition and could take inspiration from their home form after winning seven of their last ten here (E1, P2), although both defeats came in European competitions by a 1-0 scoreline.
At the top of the Portuguese league standings after eight games (G7, E1), Sporting remain unbeaten domestically, although a 2-1 home loss to Atalanta on UEL matchday two has taken the shine off their campaign slightly. A 2-1 comeback win over Sturm Graz in their first UEL match at least makes up for it, as they look to qualify for the last 16 of a European competition for the third consecutive campaign.
That win in Austria also gives Sporting the chance to win back-to-back away games in Europe for the first time since the 2009/10 campaign. Confidence should be high even if they failed to win either of their two most recent trips to Poland (E1, P1), as they remain unbeaten away from home this season (G4, E1).
Players to watch: Rakow’s Vladyslav Kochergin has scored five goals this season, registering two of the last three after the 80th minute. Meanwhile, after scoring in his two UEL games so far, Viktor Gyokeres could become the first Sporting player since Liedson in 2003 to score in each of his first three European games for the club.
Standout Fact: No team in the UEL group stage has taken fewer corner kicks (five) or shots (nine) than Rakow.
Rakow – Sporting CP FREE TIPS
UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.25
