Sporting have been relatively unlucky in this group stage campaign to only have three points from their four matches.
However, they weren’t expected to trouble Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund for the top two spots and are still on course to finish third and drop into the Europa League, which would have been the club’s realistic ambition once the group was drawn.
Real Madrid produced their best display of the season when they thrashed city rivals Atletico Madrid 3-0 at the weekend and they will be high in confidence heading into this fixture.
They were fortunate to beat Sporting in the reverse fixture but are in a better place coming into this match, even if they are without some big players. They are unbeaten on the road in all competitions this season and should continue that record in Portugal. Naijabet.com
Team News
Sporting CP – Sporting warmed up for the reception of Real Madrid with a 5-1 win in the cup at the weekend, in which Jefferson made his first appearance since the end of September.
It may be too early to throw him in from the start against Madrid, in which case Marvin Zeegleaar will continue at left-back.
They could revert to a back four against Madrid following an experiment with a three-man defence last time out in the Champions League.
Real Madrid – Sergio Ramos could not recover in time to face Atletico Madrid on Saturday and remains a slight doubt for Tuesday’s encounter with Sporting.
Toni Kroos is still injured, while Pepe is and Casemiro are also expected to miss out. Alvaro Morata picked up a hamstring injury during the international break and is ruled out for a month.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored three against Atletico at the weekend in a central striking role, as Karim Benzema was not fit enough to start. The Frenchman is expected to return to the starting XI here, which would push Ronaldo back out to the left.
Match Facts
Sporting have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 4 matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Real Madrid’s last 4 games in UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid have won their last 3 matches against Sporting in all competitions.
Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 UEFA Champions League matches.
Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 matches against Sporting in all competitions.
Real Madrid are undefeated in their last 8 matches (UEFA Champions League).
As at this post Sporting Lisbon has 5.03 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Real Madrid has 1.67 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 4.37.