Sporting CP vs Istanbul Basaksehir Prediction & Match Preview

Sporting CP vs Istanbul Basaksehir
Europa League
Date: Thursday, 20 February 2020
Kick-off at 17:55 UK/ 18:55 CET
Venue:  Estádio José Alvalade (Lisbon).

Sporting are from the prestigious Primeira Liga – considered to the best in Europe, after the major five competitions. They are pitted against Basaksehir, from the comparatively far inferior Turkish Super Lig, and on top of that, Sporting have the home advantage as well. In short, expect the hosts to dominate proceedings this Thursday.

Sporting CP vs Istanbul Basaksehir Head-to-head (h2h)

• These two teams are taking on each other for the first time.

Sporting CP vs Istanbul Basaksehir Match Preview

Sporting had lost 0-3 on the road in their last group stage game against LASK. While the scoreline was a bit lopsided, the former cannot be blamed too much. 

They were on the road, and were reduced to just ten on the pitch, after an early red card. Moreover, after their four wins in a row in the competition prior to this loss, and especially after the 4-0 drubbing of PSV, Sporting had already made their mark, and could afford to lose this match.

They have been a major presence in the Portuguese top flight for the past many seasons, and are giving a furious chase for their favored third spot, this campaign too.

Meanwhile, Basaksehir ended their group stage campaign with an inspiring 1-2 win away from home, against German heavyweights, Borussia Monchengladbach.

The victory was extra special, due to the 90+1st minute winner by the guests. The performance was in line with the objective of the team this season. After narrowly missing out on the league title to Galatasaray in 2018-19, Istanbul have been on a course to deliver the crown this time around.

Sporting CP vs Istanbul Basaksehir Prediction

First and foremost, the Primeira Liga is a far better and tougher competition than the Super Lig. Likely, Sporting do have an early advantage in that case, and to improve their chances further, they have the home advantage as well. 

Keep note that, Sporting won eight of their last ten home fixtures, and the two losses came expectedly against Benfica, and Porto. On the other hand, Basaksehir have not recorded a single official win away from home in 2020, and it’s already nearing March.

Considering these observations, it’s adjudged that Sporting are expected to deliver a hard-fought win this Thursday.

Be that as it may, Basaksehir have scored goals in 30 of their last 36 match-ups, and in 11 of their former 14 road trips as well. They have also been one of the best teams in Turkey this season, and at present, lags by just one point behind the toppers. Do also note that the Istanbul outfit have been outscored only by the leaders of the table, Trabzonspor.

Finally, Sporting had failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of their former eight overall match-ups, and in 14 of their last 18 appearances at home. Taking all these information into account, it’s estimated that goals will be scored by both teams this match-day.

Sporting CP vs Istanbul Basaksehir Betting Tips

• Sporting CP to Win @ 1.80 (4/5)

• Both Teams to Score @ 1.90 (9/10).